2015 Acorn Hill® Alegría Vineyards

93 points - The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik
Highly Recommended - Vinography by Alder Yarrow

Tasting Notes

This wine combines the vibrancy of Sangiovese and the structure of Syrah. Subtle aromas of dark blackberry and plum merge with hints of expresso and minerality. A velvety mouthfeel reveals layers of dark fruit and notes of bittersweet chocolate. Powerful yet elegant, this distinctive blend reflects the terroir of Alegría Vineyards and the depth that develops with bottle aging.

Winemaker's Notes

In 1991 and 1992, we planted Syrah and Sangiovese side by side on the steep slopes of Acorn Hill, each as a field blend: Viognier with the Syrah; Canaiolo and Mammolo with the Sangiovese. Since 2008, we have produced this reserve wine from a combination of these grapes. 2015 was an exceptional year at Alegría Vineyards. A dry January caused the vines to bud out early, advancing the growth cycle and leading to one of our earliest harvests ever. Three inches of rain in February and another inch in April reduced the impact of the drought, but the rains and cool weather at bloom time reduced the crop. (Sangiovese was down 53%; Syrah down 28%), so the vines focused their effort on fewer grapes, and the grapes we hand-harvested in September had concentrated flavors and crisp acidity. We fermented them in two separate lots, using Brunello and Syrah yeast, and blended them immediately after primary fermentation. This reserve wine was aged for 18 months in medium-long toast French oak barrels, and another three years in bottle before release, allowing the flavors to integrate and meld.

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