2015 K Vintners Vintners Guido Sangiovese Jack's Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Good medium red. Musky, slightly wild scents of raspberry, milk chocolate and fresh herbs. Plush-verging-on-viscous, with easygoing flavors of red berries, spices and herbs complicated by classic Rocks saline and gamey tones. Made from what Brennon Leighton described as "a superripe year" for this fruit, this wine has just enough energy for its high pH (close to 4.0). Leighton told me he "threw in a bit of tartaric acidity to solidify the anthocyanins via an ionic bond," but that this addition did not change the wine's pH. Conveys a strong musky Rocks character and finishes very smooth, with a note of beefsteak tomato that I often associate with high pH. By the way, winemaker Leighton admitted to me that he's "not a Rocks guy," as he feels that too much fruit from this area lacks acidify and energy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Sangiovese Guido is very pretty, offering up notes of Griotte cherry, redcurrants, dried herbs, orange rind and subtle licorice. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and satiny, with an ample and tangy core of fruit, melting tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Elegantly balanced, I didn't taste a better Sangiovese from Washington State during my two weeks of tasting.
A slightly translucent ruby color, the 2015 Sangiovese Guido Jack's Vineyard is 100% varietal that was destemmed and brought up in 30-40% new oak. Ripe cherries, dried Provençal herbs, toasted bread and loads of spice nuances all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, silky, elegant wine that has loads of charm. Charles and Brenna love this with some age. One of the highlight tastings I do in Washington State is unquestionably with Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, who together produce a sensational lineup of Rhône and Bordeaux blends, as well as a seriously good Tempranillo and Sangiovese. The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated cuvees have been moved from the K Vintners label to the Wine of Substance label, which are also reviewed in this report. All the Rhône blends are not destemmed, see native ferments, and are aged mostly in used French oak. These are the real deal and are brilliant wines.