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 Vineyards – from 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.