Noceto certainly has carved out a niche as California’s premier producer of this variety, and this Riserva would easily slide into a blind tasting of high-end Chianti Classico and not be seen as an outlier. Rich cherry fruit, sage and soft oak spice are knit together beautifully and ride a limousine of acidity through a finish with real push and pop. Additional respect is due for a respectable retail price. A Double Gold Award winner at the 2020 Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition.
Noceto, Shenandoah Valley (California) Sangiovese 2016
By Rich Cook