Dec 30, 2022
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Gracianna Winery
| Owner(s) | Amador Family |
| Web site | www.gracianna.net |
| Link to this site |
The Amador family pays tribute to their maternal grandmother, Gracianna Lasaga, a French Basque who emigrated to the United States after World War II and with her husband raised large herds of sheep in Santa Barbara County. Founder Jose Trinidad (Trini) Amador IV, is a Sonoma County native who returned to the Russian River Valley after college to intern at Williams Selyem and later became a vineyard manager for a large ranch in Sonoma County.
The winery is located on Westside Road among neighbors Arista Winery, Rochioli Winery, Williams Selyem Winery, Flax Vineyard, Westside Farms, Allen Vineyards and Hop Kiln. The brand features Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Rose and sparkling wine from the Russian River Valley (the Pinot Noir is from the Bacigalupi Vineyard and the estate Mercedes Riverblock Vineyard). The first release came in early 2009.
The wines are sold through the website and a mailing list.
Articles About Gracianna Winery
Chardonnays of Interest (8.40 6/30/2011)
John Tyler Wines: Ageworthy Wines with Pedigree (9.4 3/21/2012)
Many Very Good to Extraordinary California Pinot Noirs Tasted Recently (10.14 7/12/2015)
Pinot Briefs (11.41 3/22/2019)
Pinot Trail Diaries (11.35 12/8/2018)
Pinots of Distinction (8.40 6/30/2011)
Russian River Valley Neighborhoods (9.45 8/15/2014)
Sips of California Pinot Noir (9.26 6/23/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.10 9/24/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted Sonoma County Pinot Noir (10.31 6/5/2016)
Summer Wine Reading (9.26 6/23/2013)
Tasting Pinot with Plenty of Noir (9.9 7/21/2012)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Gracianna Westside Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 74 cases, $76. Release
TBD in 2019.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and ripe strawberry fill the glass.
Surprisingly forward for a 2017 release, displaying a deep spiced cherry flavored core filled out with a bit of
toasty oak in the background. Soothing in texture and easy to like, yet needs more time to fully integrate the
components.
Score: 91-93.
Reviewed December 11, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.6% alc.. Release TBD. Very ripe
fruited, even a tad roasted fruit character in a mid weight plus style with taut tannins, integrated alcohol, and
some finishing length. No savory component in this virile, ripe fruit dominated wine.
·
Score: 89.
Reviewed December 11, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 232 cases, $54.
Release TBD.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Perfumed
with aromas of black cherry, cola, pomegranate, toast and a
subtle peppery note. Welcome juiciness and silky in texture,
with buried tannins, offering lavish black cherry fruit flavor
and an accent of baking spice and the slightest toasty oak.
The wine gathered interest and expression when tasted several hours
after opening and the following day from an open and re-corked bottle.
Score: 94.
Reviewed December 11, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 514 cases, $52. Aged in
French oak barrels for 11 months and bottle finished. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Aromas of black cherry, oak cask and mushroom are slow to arrive in the glass. More expressive in the
mouth, with tastes of Bing cherry and raspberry fruits accented with a deft touch of oak. The tannins are suave,
the mouthfeel is satiny and the finish leaves a good impression.
Score: 90.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 269 cases, $54. Release
TBD.
·
A generous concentration of dark red and black fruits complimented by a savory thread that is typical of
Pinot Noir from Bacigalupi Vineyard.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 11, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Estate Mercedes Riverblock Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6%, 153
cases, $64. Clone 115. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Dark garnet color in
the glass. Initial aromas of blackberry, cassis and black grape give way to fertile earth. Deeply flavored in a mid
weight style with a delightful array of well-ripened black fruits framed by ruddy tannins and a deft touch of oak.
Quite seamless and like a Swiss watch, keeps on ticking in the glass. My only nit is a slight bit of alcoholic
warmth on the finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 154 cases, $68.
Released April 2017. clone 115. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
A robust
wine with attacking red cherry fruit, expansive in the mouth with inviting accents of spice, savory herbs and a
deft hint of oak. Nicely composed.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 11, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Westside Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,150 cases, $72. Released
July 2017. A selection of the best four barrels in the cellar.
Bacigalupi Vineyard. Blend of Dijon 667 and 777, and
Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels.
Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in
the glass. Alluring aromas of Bing cherry, cola and baking
spice. Delicious flavors of black cherry, black raspberry
and pomegranate in a beautifully composed mid weight style that
offers easy going tannins, a soothingly silky texture and tucked in
alcohol. A glamorous wine.
Score: 94.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Westside Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 144 cases,
$76. Released July 2017. 10th Anniversary bottling. Gold medal at the Sonoma County Harvest
Fair. A blend of clones 667, 777 and Pommard from Bacigalupi Vineyard.
·
Beautifully composed in a
middleweight style with luscious red fruit that is nicely spiced. The fine-grain tannins make for easy
consumption and this stellar wine is beautifully balanced. Note: this wine was previously reviewed
in 2017 with a consistent score.
Score: 94.
Reviewed December 11, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 437 cases, $52.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of Bing cherry, pomegranate and sandalwood.
Mid weight flavors of muddled cherry and black raspberry coulis with anise-laced oak in the background. Easy
to cozy up to, with fine-grain tannins and a generous charge of aromatic cherry on the finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed June 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2014 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 437 cases, $54.
Released April 2016. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Both savory and
fruity in a red-fruited style with a compliment of spice and a tangy, red cherry driven finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed December 11, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Gracianna Estate Mercedes River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., 191 cases,
$64. The winery’s estate vineyard, Mercedes Motherblock, is planted to clone 115.
·
Moderately dark reddish
purple color in the glass. Aromas of darkest cherry, blackberry syrup and a hint of volatile acidity. Mid weight
plus flavors of blackberry, cassis, sauvage, char and brine in a rich, sappy and ultra ripe style with tucked-in
alcohol, but noticeable tannins and oak overlay.
Score: 85.
Reviewed June 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.9% alc., 486 cases, $52. Barrel
aged for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of
black cherry reduction sauce, kirsch and baking spices. Very ripe, roasted fruit flavors with an overlay of
oak-driven coffee flavor. Full-bodied and very lush. The tannins are well integrated and the wine is in balance despite the high ABV, but
it is tiring to drink. Tasted twice.
Score: 85.
Reviewed July 12, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Gracianna Estate Mercedes Riverblock Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 279 cases, $64.
Estate vineyard planted to clone 115. Barrel aged for 11 months.
·
Dark violet color in the glass. Very ripe,
brooding nose, offering scents of black currant, blackberry jam and oak. Almost syrupy, with copious purple
and black fruit sap, including flavors of blackberry, marionberry and pomegranate, with muscular and slightly
rugged tannins which tend to dominant the lavishly fruited finish. A dead-ringer for Grenache. Tasted twice
(one bottle had some volatile acidity which blew off over time).
Score: 87.
Reviewed July 12, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc. label (15.9% tech sheet),
309 cases, $48. Harvest Brix 25.6º. Aged 11 months in French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate
reddish purple hue in the glass. Shy aromas of Bing cherry, herbs and stem with noticeable volatile acidity.
Mid weight core of dark cherry pie filling with hints of nutmeg, oak and dried herbs. Better integration of alcohol
but a slight bit of heat is still evident. When tasted later in the day, the volatile acidity had largely blown off, but
more oak sheen was evident, and the dry finish was somewhat astringent. The previous three vintages have
been more cohesive.
Score: 86.
Reviewed August 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Gracianna Estate Mercedes River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 25 cases, $58.
Calera clone. Harvest Brix 24.8º. Aged 11 months in French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light
reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of strawberry, red cherry, iron, sandalwood and cedary oak.
Light to mid weight flavors of dark red cherry with hints of oak-driven cola, anise and spice. Soft and lush, with
supple tannins. There is a sense of alcohol on the finish. Unchanged the following day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 88.
Reviewed August 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8%
alc., 375 cases, $48. Released April 2013. Harvest Brix 25.6º. Aged 11 months
in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple
color in the glass. Plenty to like in this wine with a fiery nose of Bing cherries
and oak. Smooth and lacy on the palate with a very tasty core of cherry fruit
backed by baking spice and anise-laced oak. Considerably more appealing with
more fruit-forward flavor and better integration of oak when tasted the following
day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Give this wine a little more
time in the cellar and it will become the centerpiece of a special meal. Very
good.
Reviewed June 23, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 371 cases, $48. Released April 2012. After a cold soak, the grapes
were inoculated with proprietary yeast, racked into French oak barrels, and aged
for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. Lovely mix of fresh, vivid aromas of red cherries, red
strawberries, savory herbs and sandalwood. Delicious essence of ripe red
cherries and berries with a delightful earthy, savory bent. Well-composed with
gossamer tannins and some length on the high-spirited, refreshing finish. Very
good (+).
Reviewed July 23, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Suzanne’s Blend Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.8% alc., 148 cases, $34. Released
May 2011. The Amador Family of Sonoma County named their brand after their French Basque great-great
grandmother, Gracianna Lasaga. This wine was made from fruit by a well-known Russian River grower.
Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Straw color and clear in the glass. Shy but pleasing aromas of lemon zest, pear, white
peach and hay. Modestly crisp and slightly creamy with flavors of baked pear, toasted bread and fresh herbs,
finishing with a good acid snap. Good.
Reviewed July 1, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., 290 cases, $48. Released May 2011. From the Amador Family who have
been ranching in Sonoma County for generations. Young Trini Amador, IV,
began making wine at age 15 in his family garage, and went on to earn a degree
in enology and viticulture. Winemaking was traditional with aging in French oak
barrels for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple
color in the glass. Aromas of red cherries and strawberries backed by
complimentary oak. A lighter, elegant offering centered on cherry flavor with
accents of cola, sassafras, vanilla, spice and herbs. Picks up interest over time
in the glass becoming more vivid and praiseworthy. Gentle and easy to drink.
Source: website. Very good.
Reviewed July 1, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 290 cases, $48. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Vinified
by Trini Amador. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Very attractive aromatic profile featuring scents of dark red cherries and
berries, herbs, grass, tea leaf and the slightest hint of barnyard. Ephemeral in
the mouth with tasty herb-imbued flavors of dark red pie cherries with a sidecar
of complimentary oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with a good spark of
acidity adding vivaciousness, and ending with a very memorable and long, cherry-driven
finish. Very good (+).
Reviewed March 21, 2012
ARTICLE »
2017 Gracianna Westside Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 74 cases, $76. Release TBD in 2019. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and ripe strawberry fill the glass. Surprisingly forward for a 2017 release, displaying a deep spiced cherry flavored core filled out with a bit of toasty oak in the background. Soothing in texture and easy to like, yet needs more time to fully integrate the components. Score: 91-93. Reviewed December 11, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.6% alc.. Release TBD. Very ripe fruited, even a tad roasted fruit character in a mid weight plus style with taut tannins, integrated alcohol, and some finishing length. No savory component in this virile, ripe fruit dominated wine. · Score: 89. Reviewed December 11, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 232 cases, $54. Release TBD. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Perfumed with aromas of black cherry, cola, pomegranate, toast and a subtle peppery note. Welcome juiciness and silky in texture, with buried tannins, offering lavish black cherry fruit flavor and an accent of baking spice and the slightest toasty oak. The wine gathered interest and expression when tasted several hours after opening and the following day from an open and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed December 11, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 514 cases, $52. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months and bottle finished. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, oak cask and mushroom are slow to arrive in the glass. More expressive in the mouth, with tastes of Bing cherry and raspberry fruits accented with a deft touch of oak. The tannins are suave, the mouthfeel is satiny and the finish leaves a good impression. Score: 90. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 269 cases, $54. Release TBD. · A generous concentration of dark red and black fruits complimented by a savory thread that is typical of Pinot Noir from Bacigalupi Vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed December 11, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Estate Mercedes Riverblock Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6%, 153 cases, $64. Clone 115. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Initial aromas of blackberry, cassis and black grape give way to fertile earth. Deeply flavored in a mid weight style with a delightful array of well-ripened black fruits framed by ruddy tannins and a deft touch of oak. Quite seamless and like a Swiss watch, keeps on ticking in the glass. My only nit is a slight bit of alcoholic warmth on the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 154 cases, $68. Released April 2017. clone 115. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · A robust wine with attacking red cherry fruit, expansive in the mouth with inviting accents of spice, savory herbs and a deft hint of oak. Nicely composed. Score: 92. Reviewed December 11, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Westside Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,150 cases, $72. Released July 2017. A selection of the best four barrels in the cellar. Bacigalupi Vineyard. Blend of Dijon 667 and 777, and Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of Bing cherry, cola and baking spice. Delicious flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and pomegranate in a beautifully composed mid weight style that offers easy going tannins, a soothingly silky texture and tucked in alcohol. A glamorous wine. Score: 94. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Gracianna Westside Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 144 cases, $76. Released July 2017. 10th Anniversary bottling. Gold medal at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. A blend of clones 667, 777 and Pommard from Bacigalupi Vineyard. · Beautifully composed in a middleweight style with luscious red fruit that is nicely spiced. The fine-grain tannins make for easy consumption and this stellar wine is beautifully balanced. Note: this wine was previously reviewed in 2017 with a consistent score. Score: 94. Reviewed December 11, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 437 cases, $52. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of Bing cherry, pomegranate and sandalwood. Mid weight flavors of muddled cherry and black raspberry coulis with anise-laced oak in the background. Easy to cozy up to, with fine-grain tannins and a generous charge of aromatic cherry on the finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2014 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 437 cases, $54. Released April 2016. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Both savory and fruity in a red-fruited style with a compliment of spice and a tangy, red cherry driven finish. Score: 90. Reviewed December 11, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Gracianna Estate Mercedes River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., 191 cases, $64. The winery’s estate vineyard, Mercedes Motherblock, is planted to clone 115. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of darkest cherry, blackberry syrup and a hint of volatile acidity. Mid weight plus flavors of blackberry, cassis, sauvage, char and brine in a rich, sappy and ultra ripe style with tucked-in alcohol, but noticeable tannins and oak overlay. Score: 85. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.9% alc., 486 cases, $52. Barrel aged for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry reduction sauce, kirsch and baking spices. Very ripe, roasted fruit flavors with an overlay of oak-driven coffee flavor. Full-bodied and very lush. The tannins are well integrated and the wine is in balance despite the high ABV, but it is tiring to drink. Tasted twice. Score: 85. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Gracianna Estate Mercedes Riverblock Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 279 cases, $64. Estate vineyard planted to clone 115. Barrel aged for 11 months. · Dark violet color in the glass. Very ripe, brooding nose, offering scents of black currant, blackberry jam and oak. Almost syrupy, with copious purple and black fruit sap, including flavors of blackberry, marionberry and pomegranate, with muscular and slightly rugged tannins which tend to dominant the lavishly fruited finish. A dead-ringer for Grenache. Tasted twice (one bottle had some volatile acidity which blew off over time). Score: 87. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc. label (15.9% tech sheet), 309 cases, $48. Harvest Brix 25.6º. Aged 11 months in French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Shy aromas of Bing cherry, herbs and stem with noticeable volatile acidity. Mid weight core of dark cherry pie filling with hints of nutmeg, oak and dried herbs. Better integration of alcohol but a slight bit of heat is still evident. When tasted later in the day, the volatile acidity had largely blown off, but more oak sheen was evident, and the dry finish was somewhat astringent. The previous three vintages have been more cohesive. Score: 86. Reviewed August 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Gracianna Estate Mercedes River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 25 cases, $58. Calera clone. Harvest Brix 24.8º. Aged 11 months in French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of strawberry, red cherry, iron, sandalwood and cedary oak. Light to mid weight flavors of dark red cherry with hints of oak-driven cola, anise and spice. Soft and lush, with supple tannins. There is a sense of alcohol on the finish. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed August 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 375 cases, $48. Released April 2013. Harvest Brix 25.6º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Plenty to like in this wine with a fiery nose of Bing cherries and oak. Smooth and lacy on the palate with a very tasty core of cherry fruit backed by baking spice and anise-laced oak. Considerably more appealing with more fruit-forward flavor and better integration of oak when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Give this wine a little more time in the cellar and it will become the centerpiece of a special meal. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 371 cases, $48. Released April 2012. After a cold soak, the grapes were inoculated with proprietary yeast, racked into French oak barrels, and aged for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely mix of fresh, vivid aromas of red cherries, red strawberries, savory herbs and sandalwood. Delicious essence of ripe red cherries and berries with a delightful earthy, savory bent. Well-composed with gossamer tannins and some length on the high-spirited, refreshing finish. Very good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Suzanne’s Blend Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.8% alc., 148 cases, $34. Released May 2011. The Amador Family of Sonoma County named their brand after their French Basque great-great grandmother, Gracianna Lasaga. This wine was made from fruit by a well-known Russian River grower. Unfined and unfiltered. · Straw color and clear in the glass. Shy but pleasing aromas of lemon zest, pear, white peach and hay. Modestly crisp and slightly creamy with flavors of baked pear, toasted bread and fresh herbs, finishing with a good acid snap. Good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 290 cases, $48. Released May 2011. From the Amador Family who have been ranching in Sonoma County for generations. Young Trini Amador, IV, began making wine at age 15 in his family garage, and went on to earn a degree in enology and viticulture. Winemaking was traditional with aging in French oak barrels for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of red cherries and strawberries backed by complimentary oak. A lighter, elegant offering centered on cherry flavor with accents of cola, sassafras, vanilla, spice and herbs. Picks up interest over time in the glass becoming more vivid and praiseworthy. Gentle and easy to drink. Source: website. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 290 cases, $48. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Vinified by Trini Amador. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very attractive aromatic profile featuring scents of dark red cherries and berries, herbs, grass, tea leaf and the slightest hint of barnyard. Ephemeral in the mouth with tasty herb-imbued flavors of dark red pie cherries with a sidecar of complimentary oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with a good spark of acidity adding vivaciousness, and ending with a very memorable and long, cherry-driven finish. Very good (+). Reviewed March 21, 2012 ARTICLE »