*Double Gold Medal, 2009 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
For the Young at Heart; Classically Inspired:
Vineyards
The Brunello di Sonoma is our flagship wine made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso
grapes, which is widely considered the Sangiovese clone par excellence. The
wine is produced completely from our low-yielding, organic, estate vineyard
"Poggio alla Pietra" located in the west Mayacamas mountains which overlook
the Sonoma Valley. Excellent sun exposure and optimum climate ensure the
slow ripening of the grapes, which in turn, makes wine of great depth and
complexity. The complexity is intertwined though a consistent concentration
of fruit that can only be achieved in the best vintages to create a wine
that is dynamic and artful.
Winemaking Techniques
This vintage came on the heels of a moderate winter which allowed the estate
vines an early start to their vegetal cycle. The months of June through
July were temperate, providing for an excellent set and uniform veraison.
The Brunello clone, Sangiovese, displayed diminished size in the berries and
thick skins surrounding a core of supremely ripe fruit. All blocks were
harvested over the course of a week and provided some of the densest
Brunello made to date. With attention to every detail and the use of both
modern and traditional methods, the wine went through state-of-the-art
handling. After a brief cold soak, the individual lots were allowed to
undergo fermentation using native yeasts, and were put to barrel shortly
after going dry. The cooperage selected was primarily French. Unique for
Petroni, the 2004 remained in barrel 20 months to encourage the softening of
tannins and surfacing of fruit flavors.
Tasting Notes
An incredible nose highlighted by nutty, abundant cherry, earthy, orange
peel and cedar aromas with a little amarone-like caramel quality. The rich
developed aromas give way to a vibrantly fresh and youthful palate showing
great depth. Big, long lasting and built to age, this hallmark Brunello is
a serious wine to be enjoyed now and for many years to come.
Variety: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Appellation: Sonoma Valley, Estate Grown and Produced
Aging: Twenty months in new and used French Oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.5%
