2018 Sauvignon Blanc, DeNatale Vineyard RRV
DeNatale off east side road in the Russian River Valley
appellation. 1 ton/acre yield (very low yield) of one of the smallest family
owned SB vineyards in the RRV. Cool climate Sauvignon Blanc, picked slightly
green on August 30th, picked with lower sugar in effort to maintain
higher acidity and lower pH. Native fermentation on the skins, whole berry,
macerated for 36 hours. Pressed and finished off in neutral French oak for 6
months, where it finished malolactic. Sandro made this wine to fit the model of
the dinner table wine for our family. At 10 ABV, this wine is a perfect companion
for any aperitif, cocktail, or at the dinner table. A bright and clean wine
with reminiscence of ripe pear and a strong handle of green apple. This is a
straightforward wine making you long for more with a 10.5 ABV this wine can
flow for hours. Drink now – 2020.
$32/bottle retail
3 Barrels; 75 Cases
2018 Sangiovese, DeNatale Vineyard RRV
DeNatale off east side road in the Russian River Valley
appellation. Small family owned vineyard who only sells Sangiovese to
D’Argenzio. We let the 2018 vintage hang longer on the vine than the previous vintage
to try and bring out darker berry flavors and pigment. Because I had very little
risk of rain and a longer growing season. Seeds were browning and the acidity
maintained the structure of the fruit, without the sugars skyrocketing. So, we
did a night harvest at 23.5 brix at full flavor. After a slow and cooler fermentation,
the wine was placed in 600 liter DeJernac punchens (or 140 gallon) from the
Basque region of France, for malolactic, thereafter racked and returned to the
barique. This wine is already developing rich texture with hints of oregano and
basil, slightly herbaceous with layers of cherries and blackberries intertwine.
It is a savory yet dusted with cacao with a well-balanced acidity and tannin
structure. Drink now – 2025.
DeJernac Punchens – from the south of France, in the Basque
region. The wood was especially made for us with extra old oak (XO). Adds
length complexity and density.
Wine Club Exclusive – $42/bottle retail
150 Cases; 6 Barrels
2018 Pinot Noir, Green Valley, RRV
Marcucci Vineyard off of Laguna road, located in the sub-appellation
of Green Valley, which is the cooler portion of the RRV. The name of the game
is delicatessen, yummy yummy yummy…. Elegance and flavor extraction was the
driving factor of the picking date and winemaking. Harvested at less than 23
brix, our efforts were to balance out tannin and acidity, by maintaining a
lower ABV wine. A cool and gentle fermentation dictated a 10-day maceration,
after that it was gently pressed and racked in neutral oak where it finished
malolactic. Vibrant yet layered, this pinot will age well, plenty of acidity to
carry it into the next decade once bottled. If you are a “Pinotphile”, you will
get this wine. All about the location, winemaking, and pinot itself.
$39/bottle retail
100 Cases; 4 Barrels