Temecula Valley may not be on your radar, but the southern California climate and landscape suggest it should be an excellent area to grow Mediterranean grape varieties such as sangiovese. Thornton’s is an excellent expression of New World sangiovese, which is lower in acidity and softer than sangiovese grown in Italy. This one shows ripe black cherry aromas and a hint of oak spice. It was a platinum award-winner at the 2016 Critics Challenge.
Thornton Winery, Temecula Valley (South Coast) Sangiovese 2013
By Robert Whitley