A
Great Tradition with Wine
At
Sbragia Family Vineyards, Ed Sbragia carries on a legacy
started by his father, Gino, and someday he knows his children
will take the reins to continue the family's tradition with
wine. Such a personal element to the work means the vines and
the wines bare a very special meaning for Ed as they are a way
of honoring his family's heritage. Not long ago, our panel sampled
a few of the winery's current releases.
Here's
what we thought:
These
three new releases from Sbragia Family Vineyards only help to
further the case.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Sbragia
2009 Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Sbragia Family Vineyards
Grape(s): 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.8%
Cabernet Franc
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 50-55
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and cassis meld with
hints of mocha and cinnamon on the nose. Flavors of currant,
blackberry, and cherry are accented by suggestions of
earth, sweet spice, and coffee on the palate. A rich,
well-structured red, fans of concentrated, mouth-filling
Cabs will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90 |
|
Sbragia
2009 Wall Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Sbragia Family Vineyards
Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20%
Cabernet Franc
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 85-90
Review:
A bouquet of black cherry cola, plum, boysenberry, and
mocha rises up from a glass. The palate offers flavors
of cherry, blackberry, and currants along with notes of
dark chocolate, cedar, and minerals. A layered, supple
red, fans of softer tannins and red fruit will enjoy this
wine.
Rating: 90 |
|
Sbragia
2009 Gamble Ranch Chardonay
Winery:
Sbragia Family Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromatics of Asian pear and red apple mingle with notes
of toasty vanilla and walnut on the nose. Apple, pear,
and banana flavors emerge on the palate along with nutty
and creamy oak suggestions. A lush white that's rich and
easy to sip, fans of smooth, round Chardonnays ought to
try this bottle.
Rating: 91 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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www.sbragia.com/
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