2018 Reeve, Sangiovese “Bosco” Chalk Hill, Sonoma County.
The lovely and generous Reeve Bosco Sangiovese shows ripe fruit, nice juicy acidity and a satiny texture with open layers of red fruit, light spices and delicate floral tones. There is a lot to enjoy in this version of this Tuscan grape, a grape that has proven a bit of an enigma in California as a single varietal, but with Reeve’s approach and deft touch in the winemaking this one really works. Reeve Wines, founded by Noah and Kelly Dorrance, is one of the hottest newer label in California with an allstar winemaking team that includes Ross Cobb, of Cobb Wines and Katy Wilson of LaRue, along with Noah they put out some tasty stuff, including this vibrant and juicy Bosco mostly carbonic Sangiovese from the Chalk Hill AAVA, and while known for their Pinot Noir and Riesling are intensely focused on Sangiovese. Noah and Kelly have special love for Tuscany, where they got married, and in particular Cortona, which is home to one of Italy’s most intriguing wineries, d’Alessandro and their iconic vineyard “Il Bosco” which is the reason for the name on this one. Sangiovese is really hit or miss in the new world and rather difficult to make standout wines from, but Dorrance is looking to change that, one exception of course is Leonetti’s Walla Walla version in Washington State, and while the Reeve version is completely different, more in line in fact with the fun Stolpman Love You Bunches Sangiovese, which is also whole cluster and full carbonic.
This new Sangiovese is made using mostly carbonic fermentation to accentuate the bright aromatics & red candied cherry, with the grapes sourced from the lower block of Sangiovese at Chalk Hill’s Windsor Oaks Vineyard, the wine includes a small percentage of Dolcetto from the Windsor Oaks Vineyard as well, along with a touch of traditional fermented wine to add backbone. The Bosco’s profile shows racy plum, sweet cherry, strawberry and pomegranate fruits with a medium body and contrasting elements that include dried rose petals, pipe tobacco, a hint of cedar, anise and mint. As it opens it rounds out on the vibrant palate, adds a touch of mineral and deepens in chewy flavors making it very intriguing and great with food, it has a lot to offer with its warm California fruit, but with its varietal character showing through. The carbonic freshness adds to the joy, especially appealing is its generous style and can be served with a slight chill for backyard quaffing with grilled meats, BBQ fare and or pasta dishes. Reeve’s latest set of wines is a very stylish set of offerings, in particular this one, but also be sure to check out their fabulous Rosé of Pinot Noir, their Riesling and their superb Anderson Valley Pinot Noir as well, this is an impressive label to follow, plus don’t miss a chance to visit the beautiful Reeve estate/tasting room in the Dry Creek Valley.
($38 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive