Today they are offering a 1997 Rosato, which is a rose of Sangiovese that’s picked at roughly 21 degrees Brix, and carries about 0.4% residual sugar. The wine has an almost rusty rose hue, and is very fresh and appealing in the nose. Light and pretty on the palate, with very refreshing ‘lemon-squirt’ acidity. Would make a lovely summer quaffer.

1996 Sangiovese Shenendoah Valley – The first Sangiovese from this winery was in 1992, after they had grafted over some Cabernet vines. Katie describes the wine as "forgettable", and much prefers to focus on the vintages from 1994 on. They are just about sold out of the 95, and are previewing the 1996 here today.

Slightly light ruby color. Shy, but clean nose of cherries and berries - pleasant medium bodied attack with identifiable Sangiovese varietal character – a very nicely balanced wine that still has some unresolved fruit tannins – I anticipate it will improve considerably with a little time in bottle. $12 retail at the winery – pretty good QPR!

Next stop was Arciero Winery.
These folks are located in Paso Robles. Steve Felton is their winemaker, and he looked just a bit uncomfortable in his dress shirt and tie, and admitted to me that he would rather be home "stomping grapes." I understood completely.

The first wine he poured for me was the 1995 Sangiovese Estate. It is deceptively light in color – sort of a dusty light ruby – lovely and bright strawberry and rhubarb notes in the nose – a lovely medium bodied wine with lively fruit flavors and surprisingly good structure and balance which belies the lighter aromas in the nose and the very light color. Retails at $14.

1994 Nebbiolo Estate – likewise light color – a dusty rose – equally fresh aromas, but perhaps more medium weight rather than light nuances. Again, medium weight on the palate, with very pleasant and fresh flavors – would probably pair nicely with a wide variety of foods. Retails at $14.

The Arpeggio is a blend of Italian varietals – has a slightly pale, dusty color – similar pleasant light to medium bright fruits in the nose – lacks any strength in the midpalate – a fairly unimpressive effort.

The 1996 Sangiovese Vintner’s Reserve Barrel Sample – they were raffling off a 3 liter bottle tonight – deeper color than the previous three offerings – very pretty, tart Sangiovese fruit in the nose – far better intensity on the palate – still has just a touch of roughness – probably just needs a little time to smooth out.