Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vintage 2014 / #zerodosage 22 months sur lattes / expressive smell with minerals, pear, vannilla, complexity. Certainly a very serious #prosecco from that unique Cartizze plot. I like it a lot, but one should eat with it. — 8 years ago

Zachary Price

9.0

Holiday vino! This little beauty came in my last shipment from Foxen, one of my favorite producers in Santa Barbara county. The Guillermo Grasso is Foxen’s take on a new world Tuscan - a 50:50 Sangiovese (Faith Vineyard)-Cabernet Sauvignon (Vogelzang Vineyard). 22 months in French Oak - 40% new - gives this wine a hefty punch of tannin and body. While the Vogelzang Vineyard is well known for producing wonderfully complex Cabernet, I’m not as familiar with Faith Vineyard - however a quick Google search shows that the Vineyard, located in Santa Ynez, specializes in Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc on a 7 acre plot. Though Foxen recommends cellaring this one for a few years to mellow out - I’m drinking it early. Paired with fish tacos. ~$35 | #foxen #santaynezvalley #supertuscan

On the eyes: Deep, concentrated blood red, bright - but hazy (unfined and unfiltered), med+ stain, med+ tears, no gas.

On the nose: Strawberry, cherry, rose hips, pencil shavings, tobacco, and a bit of earthy funk. Med+ alcohol.

On the tongue: Med+ acid, med+ tannin, med+ alcohol, full body, firm and tight. Red currants, raspberry, floral high notes, cigar box, and worn leather. A bit cloying and rambunctious - it would benefit from a year or two in the cellar, but still very yummy! Decant it and enjoy! Merry Christmas! — 8 years ago