2018 Sorridente
Blend Composition | 38% Syrah, 18% Sangiovese, 17% Montepulciano, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot
Appellation | Estate St. Helena Vineyard
Harvest Date | September 11, 15, 18 & 20
Finished pH | 3.96
Finished TA | 5.8 g/L
Alcohol by Volume | 14.1%
Production | 150 cases
VINTAGE
The 2018 growing season got a relatively late start due to a cool and blessedly rainy Spring. Summer temperatures remained moderate, with a brief and relatively mild heat spike at the end of July. Our harvest began 15 days later than in 2017, and proceeded at a slow and steady pace, affording us the luxury of picking at peak flavor develeopment and relatively low Brix. Our last pick was on November 6, setting a record for our latest harvest. Yields were up relative to the last several years and the quality is outstanding.
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 trail blends until we find the one that will leave a smile on your face.
TASTING NOTES
With its dark crimson robe and intriguing aromatic profile, this wine will surely leave you smiling. It is voluminous and expansive on the palate with a panoply of favors ranging from a full spectrum of berries to plum and molten chocolate. This wine has a bright future but it is irresistible now.
PAIRINGS
Enjoy with high-butterfat cheese such as Cambozola, braised lamb shanks, or a fresh-baked focaccia would make a great accompaniment.
- Matt Reid, Winemaker