WTN Seghesio Sangiovese 2000

Lots of tannin, lots of acid, lots of cherry fruit, noticeable heat. Definitely Californian. Considered of itself, rather than as Italian Chianti, very good but not great wine. I'm glad I didn't open this earlier; it would have been a monster.

Bought at the winery in 7/03, 14.8% alcohol, Alexander Valley, $22

Thanks for the notes John. You have the right idea; we don't buy California grown and made wine from Italian grapes with the idea that they will taste like Old World ones, but as something different and often very nice. This is particulaly true for Barbera. Californians make wonderful Barbera that tastes nothing like the ones from Alba or Asti.

You can also buy a very nice Chianti for $22!

Cheers, Carl

You can also buy a very nice Chianti for $22!

Indeed you can. As a matter of fact, that (2003) was the last time I bought Seghesio - they bumped their prices about then and stopped being a good value.

John wrote;
Lots of tannin, lots of acid, lots of cherry fruit ….

Sounds like it can use some more time in the bottle.

Salute

I agree, but 6 years in the bottle for a California Sangiovese is already getting up there (based on general experience).

I've been gritting my teeth and holding off for a couple of years now. I guess I'll just have to grind off some more enamel for the other bottle.

I agree, but 6 years in the bottle for a California Sangiovese is already getting up there (based on general experience).

Now you tell me..I have a 2001 Seghesio Sangiovese resting and I wasn't planning on opening it for a while.

Well, based on my bottle, you should keep waiting.

A bottle of Seghesio '99 Sangiovese was still "dark and thick" last August, according to my spreadsheet.

The 1999 California vintage was pretty good, considered exceptional by some authorities. Just over the holiday season of 2006, I discovered some 1999 Atlas Peak, Napa Valley Sangiovese holding up pretty nicely. Unfortunately my family and friends also liked it so much, the half case I did obtain is all gone, but definitely not forgotten.

Salute

Oh well, that's what wine is for!

Should have bought a case. How many times have I thought that!!!!!