In the language of wine, Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon speaks of the passing seasons which shape its vintage, of the crucible of forces that formed its spectacular Napa Valley terroir, and, more symbolically, of the dreams of the Indelicato family.
There is no recipe for Sam Jasper wine, only an idea: Dream whatʼs possible. Then do oneʼs utmost to realize that dream. Itʼs a philosophy that has guided the Indelicato family since the earliest days in the United States. Today those dreams have taken shape in a single, exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Sam Jasper” was the Anglicized name that Gaspare Indelicato gave to the humble winery in Manteca, California in which he crushed his first commercial vintage. One century later, the release of the inaugural vintage of Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon marks a new chapter for the Indelicato family in California winemaking.
To create this flagship wine, the Indelicato family and winemaker Ralf Holdenried brought on noted consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to collaborate on a singular Napa Valley cuvée that serves as both a tribute honoring generations past, and a signpost forward for generations to come.
Winemaking is inherently collaborative. The winemaker collaborates first with nature—taking what’s offered and shaping it according to philosophy and necessity—and second with each person who touches a vine or its juice along the slow journey from vineyard to bottle.
Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the collaborative efforts of two Napa Valley winemaking veterans, Thomas Rivers Brown and Ralf Holdenried, working in tandem with nature and each other.
An inky purple hue, the wine offers fragrant aromas of ripe, brambly berries and plums, edged in notes of walnut husk and cedar. The palate explodes with intense flavors of redcurrant and cherry, fanning out in a broad, silky wave that mingles vibrant fruit flavors with accents of espresso, chocolate and graphite, and lingers on the long finish.
Review:
A new project from the Indelicato family (Black Stallion Winery) and consultant Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a ripe, full-bodied effort, loaded with scents of cherries, baking spices and dark chocolate accented by subtle herbal shadings. It's supple and expansive on the palate, culminating in a long, mouthwatering finish that combines a touch of warmth and a dusting of silky tannins. It should drink well for more than a decade.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95 Points
Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100 percent Sangiovese.
Color: brilliant red with burgundy reflects; Bouquet: penetrating with memories of wild black fruits, black cherry and noble wood; Taste: warm, dry and persistent
Coming from a parcel with 10-15 year old vines planted in sandy clay and marl soils.
Harvest is 100% destemmed with a soft pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature of 28-30°C, pumping over for the first week of maceration followed by skin-contact maceration for 20-25 days with rack and return technique (delestage).
Malolactic fermentation completed.
Wine is slightly filtered before bottling.
Review:
"Black cherry and plum with a touch of smoke , vanilla. And toast on the nose. Powdery tannins coat the mouth and has a long persistence. Powerful and fresh while a little warming on the finish."
- Decanter Wolrd Wine Awards (June 2023), 97 pts
At the foot of Spring Mountain, the vineyard produces soil and mineral-driven cabernet sauvignon with aromas of ripe blackcurrant and damp earth. A dense palate of blackberry and cassis flavors harmonize with intense mineral expressions bolstered by soft, lush tannins.
Review:
Superb aromas of blackberries, currants, crushed stones, conifer and wet earth. Menthol, too. Full-bodied with a dense center-palate, yet it remains agile and persistent. Lovely character and richness at the finish, but not overpowering. Another three or four years will make it better, but already gorgeous.
-James Suckling 98 Points