My Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for August 12th-August 18th  is the 2006 Seghesio Omaggio

The Winery

Seghesio Family Vineyards is a Sonoma County winery located in Healdsburg.   It was founded in 1895 by Italian immigrants Edoardo and Angela Seghesio.   They purchased  a 4 acre vineyard and built a winery in 1902.   Today, Seghesio owns a collection of estate vineyards composed 160 acres located in Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley.   The winery is run by the 3rd and 4th generation Seghesio family members.  It was sold to Napa-based Crimson Wine Group last year.  CEO Peter Seghesio, and his cousin, winemaker Ted Seghesio , stayed on after the acquisition.  They produce approximately 100,000 cases annually.  They are best known for their Zinfandel, but they also produce Pinot Noir, and various Italian varietals including, Sangiovese, Arneis, Barbera, and Pinot Grigio.

I was introduced to Seghesio several years ago, when my wife and I were to Healdsburg a few times a year.   We purchased this wine in 2009.  Frankly, I’m surprised we were able to hold on to it for 3 years!

I must say that Seghesio puts on some great events. My wife and I attended the 2010 Chef’s Harvest event.  It was a great event where learned the about the versatility of Zinfandel with a variety of world cuisines.  And last year when we attended Passport to Dry Creek Valley, it was one of our favorite stop. If you’re in Healdsburg, you must drop in!

The Wine

“Omaggio,” is Italian for homage.  The wine is a tribute to the founders.  This “Super-Tuscan” blend was initially released in 1995 for Seghesio’s centennial harvest.  It’s been produced annually since, with the exception of the 2000 vintage.

This a flagship wine produced from their best blocks of estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes grown on their Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley.  The grapes were hand-harvested, and each lot went through the “saignée” (pronounced “sonyay”) process, whereby some grape juice is bled off prior to fermentation.  The level of tannins and color is intensified in the remaining juice.  The wine is aged 18 months in French oak barrels, a third fo which are new.

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My tasting notes follow:

Dark garnet color with dark fruit, anise, vanilla, cedarwood, and a hint of dark chocolate aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, well-balanced with very good acidity and black cherry, black currant, vanilla, and clove flavors. Medium-long finish. When I tasted at the winery a couple of years ago, it was a little hot, but it’s drinking very nicely now! – 90pts

Recommendation: This was an outstanding wine.  It’s definitely ready to drink now. Pair with Shepherd’s Pie, Veal Parmesan, Osso Buco, or a steak!

Details: 

Alcohol: 15%

Closure: Cork

AVA:  California> Sonoma County> Sonoma Valley

Varietal(s): Cabernet Sauvignon (~60%) and Sangiovese (~40%).

Production: 500 cases

Suggested Retail: $60 USD