VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Sangiacomo - Carneros

AppellationCarneros
StoryThe Sangiacomo family's roots reach back to Genoa, Italy. Vittorio Sangiacomo immigrated to the California Bay Area in 1927 at the age of 17, settling in the Bay Island Farm community in Alameda, known at the time for its asparagus and hop production. He later married Maria and moved to Sonoma where they raised four children on 52 acres that today comprise the Home Ranch, just south of downtown Sonoma. The next generation Sangiacomos worked in the fruit orchards that Vittorio established, later slowly transitioning, beginning in 1969, to grape growing. Today, the third generation is responsible for farming approximately 1,600 acres of wine grapes. The majority of their ranches lie within Sonoma Carneros with newer vineyards along Lakeville Highway and Roberts Road in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Chardonnay accounts for the majority of their plantings with Pinot Noir and Merlot making up the rest.
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 19,095 cases, $25. Screw cap. Sourced from Sangiacomo and Hi Vista vineyards in Carneros, Dutton and Martinelli vineyards in the Russian River Valley, and Steve MacRostie’s Wildcat Mountain Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Whole cluster pressed gently, 85% fermented in French oak Barrels, 20% new, and 15% fermented and aged in stainless steel. 85% malolactic fermentation. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose offers a nice mix of lemon, spice, white nectarine, butter and vanilla aromas. Impressive energy with good oak integration, displaying a range of citrus flavors and the slightest note of spice and flint. Slightly creamy in texture, with a lip-smacking finish that leaves a vibrant lemony impression. A terrific value. Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Sonoma-Loeb Sonoma County Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.74, $28. Grapes sourced from Parr Vineyard in Knight’s Valley and Sangiacomo Vineyard. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Minimal malolactic fermentation, fermented and aged in neutral French oak barrels for 8 months. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, spice and wine cave hold up over time in the glass. The flavors of lemon, pear, kiwi, yellow apple and pastry cream are fine, but the wine lacks verve and there is a burnt edge to the flavor profile. Score: 88. Reviewed June 19, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Sonoma-Loeb Private Reserve Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.67, $33. Sourced from Sangiacomo and Calesa vineyards. The emphasis is on Wente, Robert Young and Caterina clones of Chardonnay. Harvest Brix 23.7º. Partial malolactic fermentation, aged on the lees in French oak barrels, 35% new, for 8 months. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Engaging aromas of lemon, butter and friendly toasty oak. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow peach and apricot keep giving as the wine opens in the glass. A riper-fruited style with judicious oak and some finishing persistence. Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 5,000 cases, $38. The foundation for this wine is the Sangiacomo Vineyard and Beckstoffer Vineyard located in the heart of Carneros. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 67% once and twice-filled. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of red cherry gumdrop, fertile soil and sandalwood. The mid weight essence of red cherry fruit is embellished with lavish oak. Silky in the mouth, with trim tannins and a modest finish. One thinks oak when drinking this wine. Score: 87. Reviewed July 20, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Sonoma-Loeb Envoy Carneros Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.60, $40. Harvest Brix 23.0º-25.0º. Sourced from select blocks of the Sangiacomo Vineyard with which Sonoma- Loeb has been working for almost 30 years. Focus on Hyde Wente and Robert Young selections of Chardonnay. Partial malolactic fermentation, aged in French oak barrels for 8 months on the lees. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of guava, spiced pear, lemon and crème brûlée. Crisp, bright and fresh, with flavors of lemon-lime, pear and green apple with an underlying botanical thread. Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Chappellet Grower Collective Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.68, 1,130 cases, $45. A cool, windswept vineyard bordering San Pablo Bay where the grapes slowly mature. Roberet Young, Hyde and Caterina clones. Harvest Brix 23.0º. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of lemon, pineapple, white peach and seashore. Beautifully composed with excellent harmony, offering fresh flavors of lemon and pear. The wine offers ideal oak integration, bracing acidity, a creamy mouth feel and some finish that displays a stony grip. Score: 93. Reviewed June 19, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Sonoma-Loeb Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.58, $30. Grapes sourced from several of Sangiacomo’s best blocks. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A classic Chardonnay nose displaying aromas · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A classic Chardonnay nose displaying aromas of lemon, pear, slate and ocean breeze. Bright and crisp in the mouth with a satiny mouthfeel and a clean finish. The flavor profile centers on lemon lime. Energetic, with refreshing acidity and good cut. This wine has edges. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Sonoma-Loeb Envoy Carneros Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.58, $38. Grapes sourced from Sangiacomo Vineyard with a focus on Hyde and Robert Young selections. Harvest Brix 23.0º-25.0º. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Compelling aromas of lemon creme, wet lawn and sandalwood. Generous and engaging in the mouth, with a rich and viscous texture. Bold flavors of lemon and lime underlain with a steely acidity, finishing with appealing aromatic pep and energy. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Cosa Obra Sonoma County Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.70, 101 cases, $18. Sourced from Sangiacomo Vineyard in Sonoma Carneros. 100% Pommard. This is a saignée, fermented in neutral barrels. · Moderate salmon color in the glass. Generous aromas of fresh strawberry, cherry and garden bouquet. Soft and smooth on the palate, with a tasty array of fruit flavors including strawberry, watermelon and peach. Very satisfying, with perfect balance, and an uplifting, vibrant finish. Score: 90. Reviewed April 20, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Sonoma-Loeb Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.62, $27. Harvest Brix 23.4º-26.0º. 50% malolactic fermentation, aged on the lees for 8 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. Produced and bottled by Chappellet Vineyard where winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus has been at the helm since 1990. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Inviting scents of lemon meringue, pineapple and baking spices are echoed on the palate with added notes of white nectarine and apple. Fuller bodied, silky in the mouth, with impeccable balance. Score: 90. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.61, 25,000 cases, $35. The foundation of this wine is the Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard in Napa Carneros. Other fruit sources include Beckstoffer Vineyards and Hudson Vineyards in Napa Carneros and Sangiacomo Vineyards in Sonoma Carneros. Barrel fermented and aged with lees stirring for 9 months in French oak barrels, 34% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of petrichor, apple, pear, white peach, straw and vanilla. Crisp and fresh on the palate, with apple-focused flavor and very little oak overlay. Score: 89. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Sonoma-Loeb Envoy Carneros Chardonnay

14.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.64, $38. Sourced from low-yielding Wente, Hyde and Robert Young clone fruit from the best blocks at Sangiacomo Vineyard. Harvest Brix 23.5º-24.9º. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 8 months sur lie. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. Welcoming scents of lemon curd, buttery brioche, peach and chalk dust. Delicious and decadent with waves of citrus fruits including pineapple and lemon, with notes of Asian pear, nectarine, buttery popcorn, and toast. A take no prisoners, barrel fermented charmer made in an opulent and well oaked California style. Score: 90. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 MacRostie Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

177 cases, $44, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed, 100% MLF, aged 10 months on the lees in French oak barrels. After assembling the blend, seven barrels were chosen, two of which were new. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. Plenty to like in this wine with hi-tone aromas of lemon curd, honeysuckle, vanilla and toast. Plenty of acidic verve compliments and lifts the lemon, pear and biscuit flavors. Good fullness and creaminess on the palate with a tangy, lemon and pear infused finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Bonneau Sangiacomo Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $36. A combination of Petaluma Gap and Carneros fruit. 100% de-stemmed, aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately intense reddish-purple color in the glass. Reserved dark red fruit aromas leading to a discreetly intense core of dark red berry and black cherry flavors, finishing on a high note with rich red berries. Elegant in manner with supple tannins and a good vein of acidity. Very good (+). Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Bonneau Los Carneros Sangiacomo Vineyards Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.58, 300 cases, $34. Clone 115, and small amount of Martini and 777. Aged 16 months in 40% new 36 month air-dried, very tightgrain French oak barrels. Sourced from a Sangiacomo vineyard planted in 1986. · An elegant Pinot Noir offering delicate aromas of red berries, cherries and rose petals. Lighter weighted but charming flavors of red cherries and cranberries, finishing crisp and clean. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Calstar Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.05% alc., pH 3.42, $35. Aged in 30% new oak (80% French, 20% Hungarian). Winemaker Rick Davis (Londer). · Moderately light in color. Appealing aromas of spiced berry jam on toast which fade some over time in the glass. Tasty essence of red berries with satisfying flavor intensity. Supple tannins, a refreshing grip of acidity and well-integrated alcohol. Good. (Note: I found the wine discounted to $28) Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Mayro-Murdick Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 662 cases, $36. A blend of 80% Iund Vineyard and 20% Sangiacomo Tailgrass Vineyard. · Dark strawberry red in color. A deep aromatic profile of black cherries and fresh sawn oak. The heart of the wine is cherries with an adept touch of oak and toast running through. Smooth, simple, and easy to drink. Reviewed May 7, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Castle Vineyards & Winery Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

107 cases, $26. Castle is located in the historic Buena Vista region of Carneros. The winery was founded in the 1990s by winemaker and vineyard manager Vic McWilliams who focuses on small lots of hand-crafted wines. Total production is 3,500 cases. A tasting room is located on the Sonoma town plaza. The website is www.castlevineyards.com (this wine is not listed on the site for sale so phone 707-996-1582). · I really liked this Pinot. It starts off with a spirited nose of black cherries and spice (notably cinnamon). The flavors repeat the aromas. Oak is nicely integrated here. Perfect weight and balance. I hated to spit this one out. My highest scoring wine of the preliminary tastings. Reviewed January 22, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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