Saggi 2013 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45
Year in and year out, the Super Tuscan-themed release by Long Shadows Vintners ranks as perhaps the most immediately approachable and expressive red from Washington state’s constellation of global wine stars. The Folonari family began making wine in Tuscany during the 18th century, and this 10th collaboration with Walla Walla winemaker Gilles Nicault features Sangiovese (59%) from Candy Mountain near Red Mountain, and Boushey Vineyards in the Yakima Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon (32%) off StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and Syrah (9%) from breathtaking The Benches in the Horse Heaven Hills. The decision to go with new French oak barrels (55%) for 18 months leads to deep aromas of baked Moroccan spices and bright cherry notes with dusty red currant, Marionberry and coffee. A sweet and sandy tannin profile allows for Bing cherry, cassis and blackberry flavors. There’s juiciness to the smooth and long finish that also allows for vanilla.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,515 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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