Winemaker Notes
Lush red fruit tinged with nervy, crunchy taut berry. Yummy thickness on the front palate tapers to a precise, razor sharp, crisp finish. An underly- ing depth and roundness gives the wine subtle flesh below the pure pop, zip, and fun of this whimsical wine.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This flagship to this brand’s So Fresh series is as delicious and versatile as ever. Aromas of peppery raspberry, darker mulberry and a hint of game lead from the nose into a lively palate of zesty cranberry, red currant and herb. Serve chilled with everything from lighter seafood fare to smoking hot barbecue.
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.