2017 Dolcetto Alegría Vineyards

93 points - Purely Domestic Wine Report
91 points - The Drunken Cyclist by Jeff Kralik
Highly Recommended - Vinography by Alder Yarrow****

Tasting Notes

Alluring aromas of dark blue and black fruit are woven with inviting mocha-laced oak notes. As the wine opens, experience a smooth palate filled with expressive flavors that flow into the lingering finish. Cherry and fresh picked huckleberry mingle with traces of cocoa, tobacco, and mineral.

Winemaker's Notes

We planted Dolcetto, along with Freisa and Barbera, in 1991, in three separate areas of our vineyards. We have three clonal selections in three distinct soils types. These Piemontese varieties thrive in our Russian River Valley climate and create a lush, vibrant, ageable wine. Freisa complements Dolcetto’s earthy black cherry character by adding strawberry notes, while Barbera adds acid and structure. The blend of different clones, soils, and sun exposure add to the wine’s texture and complexity. A rainy winter produced abundant growth, and we hand-trimmed shoulders off each bunch to assure balance and even ripening. The summer was hotter than normal, and the harvest was early. We picked three separate field-blended lots. After crushing, each lot was kept cold for three days while natural enzymes extracted color and flavor before fermentation began. We supplemented the native yeast with a French Rhone yeast that enhanced mouthfeel and dark fruit flavors. We combined the lots after fermentation and aged in Bill’s carefully chosen combination of seasoned oak barrels to integrate flavors, smooth the tannins, and to showcase Dolcetto’s distinctive character.

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