2016 Saggi

2016 SAGGI - 94 POINTS

"Aromas of graphite and dark berries abound in this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The palate has a deeply fleshy dark-berry core with a wealth of ripe and sweetly succulent dark berries. Impressive, seamless style."

2016 SAGGI - 92 POINTS

"The 2016 Saggi is mostly Sangiovese but has 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Syrah. Medium ruby-colored, with notes of ripe cherries, spice box, and dried flowers, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, present yet ripe, polished tannins, terrific balance, and a clean, graceful finish. It's certainly one of the best expressions of Sangiovese from Washington."

Like previous vintages, the 2016 Saggi is a blend of two top Washington State Sangiovese vineyards. Candy Mountain Sangiovese is grown in a warm area of the Columbia Valley adjacent to Red Mountain. The vineyard delivers Sangiovese with ripe, black currant aromas and flavors. Cooler growing conditions in the Yakima Valley give Boushey Vineyard Sangiovese its lively red currant and bright strawberry character. Weinbau Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in the Wahluke Slope AVA, contributes to the wine's structure and texture. Mature Syrah from Bacchus and Den Hoed Dutchman vineyards, both planted in 1993, add depth and layered complexity.

The father-son team of Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious Tuscan wine families, joined Long Shadows in 2006 to create Saggi, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend, bringing their winemaking expertise from A. & G. Folonari Tenute, a collection of small, ultra-premium wines from the family's numerous Tuscan estates.
 
Since the beginning, Long Shadows director of winemaking and viticulture Gilles Nicault has collaborated with the Folonaris on Saggi's vineyard sourcing, winemaking and blending.  In the fall of 2016, Gilles assumed complete winemaking responsibilities for Saggi after the Folonaris found it increasingly challenging to make the numerous trips overseas that the project requires.
 
Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup originally met the Folonaris through mutual friend Piero Antinori. It was Allen who introduce Piero to Washington State while at the helm of Chateau Ste. Michelle, and it was Piero's regard for the vineyards of the Columbia Valley that piqued the Folonaris interest in creating a wine true to Washington terroir with plenty of Tuscan character.  Gilles continues that tradition, honoring the quality and style of wines the Folonairs inspired.