2004 Falcor Sangiovese

I just got back to H-town from my trip to LA finishing up a large network and VoIP phone upgrade. The trip was quite enjoyable as I was able to spend some quality time with an old friend that I have known since first grade, and was once my wife’s boyfriend in sixth grade. My friend and i loaded his truck with two motorcycles, a Honda XR400, and a KTM 625 and went on an excursion across California. We spent time in the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree state park, The Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the Sequoia National forest. Those that know me well, expected that I would come back with something broken, and i did not disappoint them. I managed to break my Clavicle in several places, but did not go off the side of the mountain.

I didn’t drink any wine of note in LA, but had some really nice Scotches with my friend. After the wreck on the motorcycle and the nearly three hours it took to get down the mountain to a hospital, Scotch was the only thing I had to numb the pain. One of the first things I wanted to do when I got home was see my family and friends and share some great wine and download the trip adventures to them.

The other night we enjoyed the 2004 Falcor Sangiovese “Super Tuscan” style wine that I thought I would share with you. Falcor was started in 1995 by Michael Bee, and Jim Peterson two passionate friend’s and wine connoisseur’s not unlike Paul and I. Ray Coursen is the winemaker of note, most recently from Elyse.

Wine Details:

Varietal: 88% Sangiovese from Grodahl Vineyard in Yountville, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford

Vintage: 2004

Winery: Falcor

Alc: 14.9%

Production: 387 cases made, Aged 12 months in slow-toasted, tight grained French Oak barrels purchased from the historic Gamba cooperage in Piemonte. 35% being new Gamba and the rest experienced.

The color of the wine is a beautiful dark garnet. On the nose abundant black cherry, currant, cassis, black pepper,  toasty oak, cedar, and a nice rustic dustiness. On the palate the fruit, tannins, and alc, are all balanced and well integrated. The mouthfeel is smooth and round. The finish is long and generous with bright cherries, leather, and tobacco. This is a wonderful “Super Tuscan” style California wine that is drinking well, and will get better for the next 4-6 years if laid down properly.

Ratng 92+ JH