2006 Sangiovese - Paso Robles

Overview
Winemaker Matt Ortman's travels once included an extended winemaking stint at Italy's famed Castello di Gabbiano winery, where he worked closely with the Sangiovese grape and developed a keen appreciation for the wines of Chianti Classico. He and Winemaster Chuck Ortman were subsequently inspired to pursue a Sangiovese of their own. After considerable searching for the ideal site, they chose Bob Goodwin's Algunas Dias Vineyard in the upper foothills of Paso Robles. Crowned with Tuscan olive trees at an altitude comparable to Chianti Classico, this vineyard is a perfect place to grow a taste of Italy.

Vineyard
Located in rugged Ranchita Canyon northeast of Paso Robles, Algunas Dias Vineyard occupies a 20-degree southeast-facing slope composed primarily of shallow, low-nutrient Arbuckle shale. Here, above the fogline at an altitude of 1,000 feet, a combination of consistent sun exposure and challenging soils encourages excellent flavor and structural development. The clusters are small and intensely flavored, with vivid acidity that yields true Sangiovese character.

Winemaking
The grapes were hand harvested after an unusually long growing season. The must was cold soaked for three days prior to fermentation for gentle extraction of color and flavor. Small open-top fermenters were employed for regular punchdowns and pumpovers, as well as beneficial air exchange. The wine was aged for 14 months in primarily neutral oak to preserve the wine's varietal character in the Chianti Classico tradition. Twenty percent of the wine spent an initial month in new oak barrels for added nuance and structure.

Tasting Notes
Our Sangiovese is inspired by the model of Chianti Classico, with rich flavors, firm acidity and an emphasis on authentic varietal expression. The 2006 vintage begins with aromas of raspberry, cola and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Lively integrated flavors of raspberry, cherry and huckleberry unfold along a smooth, jammy texture. Accents of thyme and mocha emerge on a balanced finish. Enjoy this food-friendly wine with a wide variety of medium-weight fare, including penne pasta with tomato basil sauce, thin-crust pizza with mushroom and red onion, chicken enchiladas and herb-marinated lamb shanks.