2018 Sangiovese 1.5L

Blend Composition | 100% Sangiovese
Appellation | Estate St. Helena Vineyard
Harvest Date | September 18
Finished pH | 3.81
Finished TA | 5.2 g/L
Alcohol by Volume | 14.1% 
Production | 805 cases

VINTAGE
The 2018 growing season got a relatively late start due to a cool and blessedly rainy Spring.  Summer temperatures remained moderate, with a brief and relatively mild heat spike at the end of July.  Our harvest began 15 days later than in 2017, and proceeded at a slow and steady pace, affording us the luxury of picking at peak flavor develeopment and relatively low Brix.  Our last pick was on November 6, setting a record for our latest harvest.  Yields were up relative to the last several years and the quality is outstanding.

WINEMAKING
We produce our Sangiovese from a variety of clonal selections, enhancing the complexity of the finished wine. In the winery we handle the fruit gently, destemming without crushing the berries. We adjust our cap management techniques—punchdowns and pumpovers—to get the desired structure and color without overextraction.    

TASTING NOTES
Classic Sangiovese aromas of Bing Cherry, leather, and dried roses.  The wine is expansive on the palate, with a cornucopia of flavors including blackberry and pomegranate, with hints of dark chocolate and espresso.  It is mouth-coating and rich.  Though ready to enjoy now, it promises a long future to those with the patience to wait for it. 

PAIRINGS
Try alongside your favorite salumi platter, paasta puttanesca, or a grilled double-cut porkchop.

- Matt Reid, Winemaker