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Wine Recommendation
Domenico Wines
2004 Pinotage(Amador County)
Pinotage, a native South African varietal that is a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, has it share of skeptics, particularly those folks who have tasted Pinotage wines which are too earthy andrough around the edges. It’s a pleasant surprise to find a Pinotage that not only is elegant but also made in the U.S. from Amador County grapes. Domenico Wines has produced a gorgeous Pinotage: the 2004 Domenico Amador County Pinotage.
One of the things I like about this wine is that it is juicy – none of that unctuous, heavy mouth feel that so often creeps into California wines. It has a luscious blueberry nose, notes of blackberry and cayenne pepper on the mid palate and notes of tobacco, cigar and earth but in the right balance to add interest and depth. The tannins are evident and the finish is long and satisfying. This wine can stand up to hearty fare..
Domenico Wines owner and winemaker Dominick Chirichillo says the Pinotage grape thrives in the hot Amador County climate which cools off beautifully at night, benefiting from the Delta breezes that flow into the region. He buys the grapes from veteran growers, Sutter Creek Vineyards. Production of all Domenico Wines is done at the main facility in San Carlos, CA. Only 176 cases have been produced.
Reviewed July 18, 2007 by Jean Deitz Sexton.
Other reviewed wines from Domenico Wines
The Wine
Winery: Domenico Wines |
The Reviewer
Jean Deitz Sexton
Jean Deitz Sexton’s first experiences with wine were drinking Italian wine as an NYU college student in New York City. She continues to have a love of red wines with a reasonable alcohol level, that have rich flavor, good fruit yet softness. Deitz Sexton has a great fondness for Rhone varietals, anything with bubbles and of late, is obsessed with blends. Her approach to wine reviewing is pretty straightforward: does it have a pleasant nose, clarity of flavor, interesting notes, good mouth feel, and a satisfying finish? |