In the language of wine, Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon speaks of the passing seasons which shape its vintage, of the crucible of forces that formed its spectacular Napa Valley terroir, and, more symbolically, of the dreams of the Indelicato family.
There is no recipe for Sam Jasper wine, only an idea: Dream whatʼs possible. Then do oneʼs utmost to realize that dream. Itʼs a philosophy that has guided the Indelicato family since the earliest days in the United States. Today those dreams have taken shape in a single, exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Sam Jasper” was the Anglicized name that Gaspare Indelicato gave to the humble winery in Manteca, California in which he crushed his first commercial vintage. One century later, the release of the inaugural vintage of Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon marks a new chapter for the Indelicato family in California winemaking.
To create this flagship wine, the Indelicato family and winemaker Ralf Holdenried brought on noted consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to collaborate on a singular Napa Valley cuvée that serves as both a tribute honoring generations past, and a signpost forward for generations to come.
Winemaking is inherently collaborative. The winemaker collaborates first with nature—taking what’s offered and shaping it according to philosophy and necessity—and second with each person who touches a vine or its juice along the slow journey from vineyard to bottle.
Sam Jasper Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the collaborative efforts of two Napa Valley winemaking veterans, Thomas Rivers Brown and Ralf Holdenried, working in tandem with nature and each other.
An inky purple hue, the wine offers fragrant aromas of ripe, brambly berries and plums, edged in notes of walnut husk and cedar. The palate explodes with intense flavors of redcurrant and cherry, fanning out in a broad, silky wave that mingles vibrant fruit flavors with accents of espresso, chocolate and graphite, and lingers on the long finish.
Review:
A new project from the Indelicato family (Black Stallion Winery) and consultant Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a ripe, full-bodied effort, loaded with scents of cherries, baking spices and dark chocolate accented by subtle herbal shadings. It's supple and expansive on the palate, culminating in a long, mouthwatering finish that combines a touch of warmth and a dusting of silky tannins. It should drink well for more than a decade.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95 Points
Lismore Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir
Complex bouquet of crushed rose petals, wild jasmine and fresh French herbs followed by a palate full of cranberry, raspberry and a long savory finish.
The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness. 30% whole bunch fermented in large 5000 liter vats with gentle pump-overs twice a day. The process allowed for a long extraction period which lends to the fruit expression and structure of this wine. The free run wine was drained off and the fermented grapes were then pressed in a traditional wooden basket press. The wine was racked into 225, 300 and 500 liter barrels where malolactic fermentation took place and the wine was aged for 10 months. 35% new French oak was used.
Review:
"The 2018 Pinot Noir comes from Walker Bay and Kaaimansgat and includes 30% whole-bunch fruit, aged for 11 months in 25% new oak. The bouquet sports vivid red cherry and raspberry fruit that is exceptionally well defined and beautifully integrated with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, well-judged acidity and a slightly fleshy texture. There is just the right amount of salinity here, and the finish is kept on a tight leash, allowing the detail and precision to be fully expressed. A slight sour edge on the finish keeps you coming back for another sip. Excellent and reassuringly classy. - Neal Martin" - Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2019), 92 pts
"Walker Bay and Elandskloof are the twin sources of 30% whole bunch-fermented Pinot from Sam O'Keefe. Juicy, floral and charming, it's a graceful, fruit forward style with some clove and tobacco spice and refreshing acidity. The finish is a little firmer than I remember. 2020-24"- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2020 Special Report), 92 pts
Lodovico Stofuori Timorasso Bianco is made from 100% Timorasso.
The name 'sto fuori' means that it is out of the Timorasso classic area ( that is south -east Piedmont) and also a little bit of ‘madness’ because to plant Timorasso in Langhe you must be Fuori ( italian expression to say a little mad).
Yellow straw color with notes of broom flowers, pear aroma and crushed stones.. Fresh in the mouth, tasty with lovely touches of mineral and grapefruit. Tangy acidity keeps it fresh and bright.
It’s a perfect wine to pair with fish, white meat with aromatic herbs and cheese where it reaches its elegance and fragrance.