2006 Game Farm Ranch Sangiovese
Napa Valley - Magnum
When I arrived at the winery thinking I was not getting my Napa Valley Sangiovese, one of my friends told me about this mountaintop vineyard in Mendocino County. I had heard of the site before and immediately called the vineyard manager to see what was available. It was my lucky day once again- there was fruit still on the vine that I could purchase.
My first visit to the property was the night before the pick when I met farmer Casey and stayed the night at the vineyard house. What a view we had in the morning as the sun rose over Ukiah- the property is spectacular. We joined the crew and immediately began pulling unwanted leaves and such out of the picking bins. My hands nearly froze, but it was well worth it. I have to say though, I have never seen such an ecclectic block of Sangiovese in all my years making wine.
Shortly after the pick, almost 4 tons were delivered to me at the winery. We destemmed, left the berries whole and chilled dwon the fermentor. The fermentation kicked off on its' own and the punch downs and stomping climbed from 2-3 a day. The juice was the most gorgeous hue and so delicious all the way to dryness. After draining, we pressed it into barrel and left it to go through malolactic. It was smooth and easy, all the way to bottling (once again, unfined and unfiltered).
This wine is more reminiscent of the Italian heritage with a higher acidity and bright cherry notes. But it was still grown in California making the tanins not only prominent, but big enough to chew on for days. I'd open this wine up well before drinking time and let it breath fully!.
