2011 AX-1 Sangiovese

A super-premium, Brunello-style Sangiovese, Noceto's AX-1 is the result of many years of experimentation to produce a California Sangiovese to rival the best Brunellos and Riserva Sangioveses from Italy. Gentle treatment has been the focus of the entire winemaking process -- from a gentle crushing of the grapes and a 10-14 day fermentation in new French oak puncheons to preserve the bright varietal flavors, to 36 months of aging in the same puncheon to soften youthful tannins and gently age the wine, and finally an additional 2-1/2 years of bottle aging. The result is a fruit-packed, full-flavored, complex wine with a lingering finish. The wine has a beautifully maintained acidity which gives the wine crispness and ageability.

The 2011 AX1 exhibits a lean beauty with flavors of dark plum, cherry, leather, earth, and mushroom. It should pair well with rich dishes as beef stroganoff, cassoulet, Moroccan lamb stew, or steak au poivre.