Storyline and photos by califusa,
Left Coast Correspondent

1998 Consorzio
Cal-Italia Tasting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The vivacious Cathy Seghesio

Staglin Family Vineyards – renown for their Cabernet, all their wines are estate bottled.

1997 Sangiovese – pretty ruby color – subtle dusty mushroom notes compliment lovely Sangiovese fruit on the nose – very pretty, sweet fruit on the palate, with excellent balance – this needs a little time to smooth out, but should be an excellent food wine.

Doug Beckstoffer and Garen Staglin

Shafer Vineyardsfrom the Stag’s Leap District of Napa Valley, also renown for their Cabernets.

1996 Firebreak – a blend of 80%Sangiovese, 20%Cabernet – dark ruby color – distinctive Sangiovese nose (Jeez, I’m finally beginning to recognize the aromatic profile of Sangiovese! – it’s really lovely) – smooth entry – delicious flavor profile across the palate – a touch of not unpleasant astringency, and a clean, although somewhat short finish. $27 retail.

1995 Firebreak – 88%Sangiovese, 12%Cabernet – a deeper color, but slightly lighter nose – similar flavor profile and mouthfeel to the 96 – very pleasant, and a nice food wine, but not a good QPR at $28.

Seghesio – now in their second century as family owned vineyards and winery.

1997 Arneis (one of four examples of this varietal being poured today) – not dissimilar from Jim Clendenon’s offering, it shows light and not terribly distinctive sweet floral notes in the nose – interesting on the palate, but finishes a bit short.

1997 Pinot Grigio Russian River Valley – pale color – a touch of mustiness that quickly blows off - slightly shy aromas of nectarine (but this is a very cold bottle) – nice fruit flavors with pleasing astringency, although I would not describe it as "crisp" – a good food wine – clean finish, and a good palate cleanser.

1996 Sangiovese Alexander Valley – medium color – good varietal fruit in the nose – very pretty on the palate, but lacks the depth of fruit I would prefer – a little astringent on the finish. A nice effort, but it’s up against some pretty stiff competition today.

1996 Omaggio – Sonoma County Table Wine Four Generations – 35% Cabernet, the rest is Sangiovese, Merlot and Barbera – an interesting blend - beautiful dark garnet color – somewhat brooding notes on the nose, with delightful smoky overtones – good intensity of fruit in the attack, but it quickly fades in the face of moderate, but smooth tannins that take away from the flavors. A very interesting flavor profile – a wine I would like to taste again in a year or so.