2017 Sorridente
Blend Composition | 53% Syrah, 23% Sangiovese, 19% Zinfandel, and 5% Merlot
Appellation | Estate St. Helena Vineyard
Harvest Date | September 11, 15, 18 & 20, 2017
Finished pH | 3.88
Finished TA | 5.16 g/L
Alcohol by Volume | 14.5%
Production | 122 cases
VINTAGE
We had a wet start to 2017, so welcome after 5 years of drought. The bulk of the rain fell in January and February but rains continued into April, ensuring that the vines would have ample water throughout the growing season. The harvest started more or less on time with average to slightly low yields. What started in water ended in fire. Fortunately we had harvested most of our fruit before the October fires. We will not be using any fruit harvested after the fires.
WINEMAKING
Sorridente means “smiling” and that is what we do while assembling this blend. Once the component wines have settled in the cellar to reveal their character, we select the brightest, cheeriest barrels from each lot and make many trial blends until we find the one that will leave a smile on your face.
TASTING NOTES
Designed to “make you smile”, this wine is quite serious nonetheless. Notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, dark and milk chocolate, nutmeg and cocoa powder make this quite an intriguing wine. Each of the four varieties contributes something special to the blend, and the result is a wine of harmonious complexity. On the palate, it is lush and rich, with fine, smooth tannins leading to a clean finish that will surely bring a smile to your face.
PAIRINGS
Enjoy with pasta and pesto, baked ziti, pecorino Toscano or Asiago, or simply sip and smile with friends.
- Matt Reid, Winemaker