Sangiovese is a red wine grape variety from Italy that comes from the Latin phrase meaning “the blood of Jove.” Sangiovese is said to have originated in Romagna where wines were stored in caves inside the Mons Jovis. The grape variety is the most planted red wine variety in Italy, and is recognized in 53 provinces and authorized in 13 more. Sangiovese, when young, has fresh fruit flavors and spice, and includes strawberry, oak, or tar notes. Sangiovese was popular in the 16th century and may be possibly linked to Ciliegiolo and Calabrese Montenuovo, both Italian varities. Wines made from this grape variety typically have high acidity and high tannins, and produce a nice, light color. Most Sangiovese wines are sold and consumed while young, although the wine has the ability to age rather well. The wine pairs easily with food and is combined very nicely with tomato-based foods, such as pizza and pasta. Sangiovese varietal wines or Sangiovese wines blended with Cabernet also works well with dishes like roasted chicken and meatloaf. Sangiovese also pairs well with aromatic herbs, such as basil, thyme and sage. If the variety is dominated by Merlot, Syrah or Cabernet, then the wine should be paired with steak or heavy soups.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Poggio Nardone Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100 percent Sangiovese Grosso.
The rich nose displays scents of spices combined with aromas of small red ripe fruits, blackberry and blueberry.
Well structured, determined and elegant, with round and silky tannins. Very nice finish.
Alcoholic fermentation was done in tank, maloactic fermentation in oak barrels. Wine was then aged for 3 years in French oak barrels.
Review:
Noble and decidedly balsamic in the primary profile alternating notes of peppermint, eucalyptus, green tea leaves and guaranà. A lot of very delicate dried cherries are housed in the background giving brilliance and crunchiness. Medium bodied, well extracted mature tannins and a finale which squeezes from the centre palate onwards. Better from 2025.
- WinesCritic.com 93 Points
Poggio Nardone Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100 percent Sangiovese Grosso.
The rich nose displays scents of spices combined with aromas of small red ripe fruits, blackberry and blueberry.
Well structured, determined and elegant, with round and silky tannins. Very nice finish.
Alcoholic fermentation was done in tank, malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. Wine was then aged for 3 years in French oak barrels.
Review:
Powerful and classic, it alternates in the best way the floral features of magnolias, gardenias and hawthorn with fruity notes reminiscent of plums, pressed blueberries and lemon juice. Medium-full body, smooth and relaxed in the sip, it closes harmonious and balanced. How beautiful! Better from 2024.
Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com 94 Points
A ruby red garnet color, ripe fruit aromas, dried fruits, hints of licorice and scents of vanilla. Robust and harmonious in the mouth, a rich texture. The wine is only produced in the best vintages.
The grapes are coming from a vineyard planted at 400 meters above sea level. The soil is mainly marl and limestone.
The density of vines per hectare is 5,000 plants, which is equivalent to 2,000 vines per acre.
The pruning technique used is cordon
The grapes used are 100% Sangiovese grosso
Alcoholic fermentation was done in tank, while the Malo-Lactic fermentation was carried in oak barrels.
Wine was then aged for one year in big French oak barrels and 3 years in Slavonian oak barrels.
Review:
Rich and very slender in the sensory profile alternating notes of black prunes, blackberries, sandalwood, incense, camphor, withered white flowers and vetiver. Hints of woodland undergrowth animate the secondary scene giving it a dark character. Full bodied, soft tannins and a solidly performing finale. Better from 2024.
Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com 93 Points
Poggio Nardone Rosso di Montalcino is 100 percent Sangiovese Grosso.
Intense ruby red color with garnet tints.
Intense and delicate aromas of fresh fruits with notes of cherry.
Dry red wine with a good strength and freshness, along with a nice aromatic persistence.
The 5 hectares of specialized vineyards in Montalcino are at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level and are surrounded by woodlands of ilex, oak and arbutus which are characteristic of Montalcino’s hillside habitat. The soil is predominantly composed of marl and limestone which renders this terrain particularly rich in mineral salts.
Pairs well with pasta prepared with meat sauces, mushrooms or truffles; complex rice, main courses of pork or veal with sauces.
Review:
"Aromas of red fruit, rosemary and white smoke. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Pleasant, savory herbs on the palate. Wet-stone finish. Drink now."
- James Suckling (September 2021), 90 points
Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
On the nose, pronounced dark red cherry, intertwined with layers of blackberry and blueberry. The palate shows pomegranate and bramble fruit notes are effortlessly balanced with a refreshing acidity, culminating in a robust, enduring finish.
This year’s blend proudly features our Bootlegger’s Hill Estate vineyard alongside two cherished vineyard designates: Giusti Ranch and Keefer Ranch. Revealing enticing aromas of dark red cherry, blueberry, and raspberry, this Pinot Noir is both flavorful and poised. A refreshing lift gracefully traverses the palate, leading to a captivatingly long finish.
Our Appellation Series wines embody our unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.
Most vineyards in the Russian River Valley share a common influence—the cooling effect that follows the river inland from the Pacific coast. The resulting fog gracefully envelops the vines at night, providing a crucial respite from the daytime heat. These diurnal temperature shifts delicately slow down ripening, nurturing nuanced flavors in the grapes, earning this region its well-deserved title as the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Fact of Note: This Russian River Valley blend was the longest to ferment in oak from our Appellation Series.
Matthews Winery Columbia Valley Cuvee is made from 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec.
The 2021 Columbia Valley Cuvée sparkles with purple and deep garnet in the glass. Meadow flowers, fresh red berry, black plum, and cocoa powder aromas exhilarate leading to flavors of morello cherry liqueur, cardamom, mountain blackberry, and licorice snaps. This merlot-dominant blend is plush and weighty on the palate with powdery tannins. Dark stone fruits and dusty minerality coat the palate for a long, seamless finish.
Reviews:
A handsome blend, structured and polished, with expressive black cherry flavors accented by tarragon, mocha espresso and toasty spices that sail toward refined tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2031.
-Wine Spectator 93 Points
This Merlot-based blend is a part of the Matthews tradition. Wildly fruity aromatics with whole berries, destemmed aromas driven by red berries, mountain blueberries, and a touch of green peppercorn and mocha dust. A streak of graphite underlines red berries, early season blackberries and a savoury herbal character that mingles complexity with fresh ripe fruits.
-Decanter 93 Points