Winemaker Rusty Folena’s continuing experiment with the Brunello clone of Sangiovese is very different vintage to vintage, as he’s always trying to let the wine be itself without excess manipulation, and with the 2017 vintage he has landed on something special. A deep, layered nose leads to a rich, complex palate. Though this is very approachable on release thanks to a silky entry, depth of fruit character and carefully balanced oak, this is a long term wine — if you can keep your hands off it near term. Good luck with that.
Noceto, Shenandoah Valley (Amador County, California) Sangiovese 2017
By Rich Cook