2019 Sanguis Handful of Ghosts
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Handful Of Ghosts is a blend of Chardonnay from John Sebastiano Vineyard, Roussanne from Watch Hill vineyard and a small splash of Viognier. It was harvested in multiple picks to express two opposite ripeness levels and partially fermented on skins before its maturation of 27 months in large seasoned and stainless steel barrels. Medium golden in color, it unfolds slowly to peaches and baked apples, jasmine, beeswax, pie crust and toast. Full-bodied, satiny and mouth coating, its honeyed flavors are balanced by energetic acidity, and it seems to gain amplitude as it glides into a very long, flavorful finish. This serious, powerful wine has the potential to gain additional complexity over the next decade in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
More honeyed quince, orange marmalade, and citrus pith notes emerge from the 2019 Handful of Ghosts, a rich, medium to full-bodied, impressively textured white that still brings lots of acidity. There's some classic Rhône-like oiliness on the texture, but again, this stays balanced, clean, and dry on the palate, with good freshness. It's geared for the dinner table. While I always love the wines from Matthias Pippig, some of these latest releases played in what I call the “more interesting than good” category. While all good, there are hits and misses here.
The 2019 Handful of Ghosts is a blend of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier. It opens with gorgeous aromatic lift and plenty of vibrancy. On the palate, the 2019 is a bit strict, especially by Sanguis standards. Lemon confit, chamomile, dried flowers and dried savory herbs lend notable complexity. However, there is a bit of edginess that lingers. Aeration helps, but a bit of bottle age is recommended.