The AX-1 project at Noceto is all about making a Sangiovese that can rival the best Brunello and Chianti Classico Riserva bottlings of Italy, utilizing traditional techniques and minimal intervention to achieve such character, with the occasional California twist thrown in as deemed necessary. This bottling saw a slow fermentation of Altesino clone Sangiovese in peril barrels (a unique conical shaped barrel) and new French oak puncheons (large barrels up to 500 liters), 36 months of aging in the same puncheons and an additional two and a half years of bottle aging prior to release. The result is a rich, full throttle Sangiovese that achieves its style goals admirably, showing deep cherry fruit, lively spice and tobacco notes delivered over a generous structure that is at once approachable and ageworthy. Here’s to continued experimentation! Contains 3% Aglianico and 3% Canaiolo Nero.
Vino Noceto, Shenandoah Valley (Sierra Foothills, California) Sangiovese 2014
By Rich Cook