2005 BARRA of Mendocino Sangiovese

Harvested on the cool morning of October 3, 2005 and lightly crushed with 30% whole berries into the tank, this Sangiovese underwent a cold soak at 50 degrees for 3 days.  It fermented slowly at temperatures of  70  - 80 degrees fahrenheit for eleven days, and pressed off the skins according to flavor and color. It finished alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in tank.

It was than transferred to small 60 gallon French oak barrels. The barrels were 90% 3 - 4 years old to preserve fruit and 10% 1 year old French coopered medium to medium plus toasted barrels for complexity. It was aged in barrel for 6 months before being blended and bottled with 3% Petite Sirah. It was then further bottle aged to enhance the bouquet of flavors.

This Sangiovese is medium ruby in color with great depth of aromas. The wine exhibits varied red fruit aromas of raspberry, strawberry, cherry and red licorice. A hint of toasty oak and vanilla from the short time spent in oak barrels accent these bright aromas. This is a full-bodied Sangiovese with flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries and baked berry pie. It is extremely elegant, while at the same time packing quite a punch of red fruit flavors with just a kiss of oak for complexity and richness. (Production: 341 cases)

BRONZE MEDAL-Pro Wine Buyer's Competition, Oct 2008 http://www.prowinebuyerscomp.info/

Detailed Wine Information