Gargiulo Vineyards
Aprile Super Oakville Blend Sangiovese Blend
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
First of the trio taken down tonight. Was not decanted, although it probably should have been (for hours). Despite the 96 percent Sangiovese, 4 percent Cab blend, the wine has a really nice 'dusty rose' color to it. The nose is very complex - eucalyptus to raspberry, peppery, herbal, even a bit grassy kind of all in one. The wine on the entry has quite a bit of acidic raspberry. A hint of herb that develops in the middle. This is where the wine really gained the longer it was open. Another dimension developed here, almost like a cocoa note, black cherry, mint. This wine definitely developed weight as it finished. At first quite acidic on the finish. Two hours later it was still acidic, but much smoother. This one is gonna be great in 3-4 years. I think I'll drink my 2010's and 2011's now! I see this one being a solid 95 in a few years
First of the trio taken down tonight. Was not decanted, although it probably should have been (for hours). Despite the 96 percent Sangiovese, 4 percent Cab blend, the wine has a really nice 'dusty rose' color to it. The nose is very complex - eucalyptus to raspberry, peppery, herbal, even a bit grassy kind of all in one. The wine on the entry has quite a bit of acidic raspberry. A hint of herb that develops in the middle. This is where the wine really gained the longer it was open. Another dimension developed here, almost like a cocoa note, black cherry, mint. This wine definitely developed weight as it finished. At first quite acidic on the finish. Two hours later it was still acidic, but much smoother. This one is gonna be great in 3-4 years. I think I'll drink my 2010's and 2011's now! I see this one being a solid 95 in a few years
1 person found it helpfulApr 11th, 2017
American Sangiovese!
As I recall, Shafer tried something similar with Firebreak. I loved that (past tense as it is no longer produced), but this is better.
The nose is earthy, yet dominated with cloves and cinnamon.
On the palete, its tightly knit. The wine is precise and polished. Tannins are ripe and muscular. Lovely berries and black olives define the flavor profile. Finishes with sweet tobacco.
Because of its youth, this needs air. It's a beautiful example that should be left to stretch it legs for at least 2 - 3 more years. My rating does not suggest where the wine could go three years from now. Be patient. I expect great things going forward. @Martin G Rivard thank you so much.
American Sangiovese!
As I recall, Shafer tried something similar with Firebreak. I loved that (past tense as it is no longer produced), but this is better.
The nose is earthy, yet dominated with cloves and cinnamon.
On the palete, its tightly knit. The wine is precise and polished. Tannins are ripe and muscular. Lovely berries and black olives define the flavor profile. Finishes with sweet tobacco.
Because of its youth, this needs air. It's a beautiful example that should be left to stretch it legs for at least 2 - 3 more years. My rating does not suggest where the wine could go three years from now. Be patient. I expect great things going forward. @Martin G Rivard thank you so much.
Very nice. On the lighter side with cherries, earth, and subtle meatiness. Not super deep. Unique or different from what I usually drink and prefer.
Very nice. On the lighter side with cherries, earth, and subtle meatiness. Not super deep. Unique or different from what I usually drink and prefer.
Apr 15th, 2023Has been 2.5 years since I've visited this one. Still a lot of youthful qualities to it. Still almost a bracing acidity up front but the fruit profile shines through. Tart cherry blossoms, raspberry cola, dirty red flower. Middle of this one kind of gains a tangerine rind and a tart cherry finish. Went exceptionally well with pork chops but not so much the salad with the cider vinegar dressing. Solid 92 though. I don't think this one is at the top of the hill yet but it's not far away. I'd wait another year IMO.
Has been 2.5 years since I've visited this one. Still a lot of youthful qualities to it. Still almost a bracing acidity up front but the fruit profile shines through. Tart cherry blossoms, raspberry cola, dirty red flower. Middle of this one kind of gains a tangerine rind and a tart cherry finish. Went exceptionally well with pork chops but not so much the salad with the cider vinegar dressing. Solid 92 though. I don't think this one is at the top of the hill yet but it's not far away. I'd wait another year IMO.
Nov 23rd, 2019
Black cherry, tobacco, and a hint of dark chocolate! Unexpectedly fabulous, will drink again. Cheers from a Friday night with mama black!
Black cherry, tobacco, and a hint of dark chocolate! Unexpectedly fabulous, will drink again. Cheers from a Friday night with mama black!
Nov 5th, 2017
I am a huge fan of this smooth and velvety blend from one of my favorite wineries. The 2014 is as good as earlier vintages.
I am a huge fan of this smooth and velvety blend from one of my favorite wineries. The 2014 is as good as earlier vintages.
Jun 25th, 2017A Tuscan blend with a Napa heart and fruit. Enjoy it now and again. I did. 😁
A Tuscan blend with a Napa heart and fruit. Enjoy it now and again. I did. 😁
Feb 12th, 2017Red fruit and cinnamon on the nose. Nice tastes of red plums, strawberries and oak on the palate. Smooth tannins and a nice finish.
Red fruit and cinnamon on the nose. Nice tastes of red plums, strawberries and oak on the palate. Smooth tannins and a nice finish.
Jan 18th, 2017