In some ways, 2007 was a year of extremes: sub-freezing temperatures in January, and only 60% of normal rainfall. A warm spring led to early budbreak, bloom and set. Crop levels were lower than average, so more time was spent fine-tuning canopy management than thinning the crop. A cool summer returned the march toward harvest to a more normal pace. Both clusters and berries were smaller than usual, leading to a significant degree of concentration in 2007 red wines across the board. Our Sangiovese was harvested in the cool morning hours in early September.
Fruit for this wine, were sourced exclusively from the historic Schmidt Ranch in Oakville, located along the central corridor of Napa Valley. The alluvial soils in this block of Sangiovese are well-suited to the production of a small crop of intense, balanced fruit.
Harvest date: September 7, 2007
Aging: 20 months in French Oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.8%
Blink and you are in Tuscany. Concentrated dried cherries and ethereal fruit on the nose, followed by a lively, equally fruity expression on the palate. Smooth, silky tannins, with no overbearing oak to detract from the purity of this Sangiovese. The balance and harmony of this wine will allow it to age gracefully for at least 6 or 7 years on the bottle.