Gargiulo Vineyards

Aprile Super Oakville Blend Sangiovese Blend

9.2152 ratings
9.213 pro ratings
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc
Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Beef, Venison, White Rice, Potato, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Pasta, Herbs, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Pungent Cheese, Chicken, Salami & Prosciutto, Soft Cheese, Duck, Tomato-Based, Pork, Chili & Hot Spicy, Lamb, Turkey, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Blue Cheese
Top Notes For
Jake Hajer

Light and simple- 92% Sangiovese. Might be highly filtered/reverse osmosis due to smoke.

Light and simple- 92% Sangiovese. Might be highly filtered/reverse osmosis due to smoke.

Jan 27th, 2022
Jeff D.

Great sipping and food wine, strawberry fruit and all around yummy addition to the dinner table.

Great sipping and food wine, strawberry fruit and all around yummy addition to the dinner table.

Dec 27th, 2019
Edmond Bordelon

I am going to have to agree with all of Mark Flesher’s notes on this. Right up front, you get the acidity. And then wait... it opens up nicely after some time in the glass or decanter. Be patient. All of GV’s wines are memorable. My first time with the Aprile...won’t be my last.

I am going to have to agree with all of Mark Flesher’s notes on this. Right up front, you get the acidity. And then wait... it opens up nicely after some time in the glass or decanter. Be patient. All of GV’s wines are memorable. My first time with the Aprile...won’t be my last.

Mar 13th, 2019
Neil Koffler

Showed well with the pizza and pasta but more of a regional curiosity than the real thing.

Showed well with the pizza and pasta but more of a regional curiosity than the real thing.

2 people found it helpfulNov 11th, 2014
Mark Flesher

After a double decant and about an hour of air, this one was finally ready to go. I had reviewed a 2014 a little while back to determine that it is NOWHERE ready to go yet. Well? I'm not sure the 2012 really is either, but it is certainly closer than the 14. This wine poured a dark red with some violet notes into the glass. In the nose, this wine is dark black cherry and terroir notes. A little "dusty." The entry of this wine still has acidity although is definitely restrained. Black cherry and rhubarb. Black cherry middle with almost a bitter pomegranate? The finish is acidic, has a tannic character even still. This one is much more ready to drink than the 2014 that's for sure!

After a double decant and about an hour of air, this one was finally ready to go. I had reviewed a 2014 a little while back to determine that it is NOWHERE ready to go yet. Well? I'm not sure the 2012 really is either, but it is certainly closer than the 14. This wine poured a dark red with some violet notes into the glass. In the nose, this wine is dark black cherry and terroir notes. A little "dusty." The entry of this wine still has acidity although is definitely restrained. Black cherry and rhubarb. Black cherry middle with almost a bitter pomegranate? The finish is acidic, has a tannic character even still. This one is much more ready to drink than the 2014 that's for sure!

1 person found it helpfulJul 8th, 2017
Mark Flesher

First of the trio taken down tonight. Was not decanted, although it probably should have been (for hours). Despite the 96 percent Sangiovese, 4 percent Cab blend, the wine has a really nice 'dusty rose' color to it. The nose is very complex - eucalyptus to raspberry, peppery, herbal, even a bit grassy kind of all in one. The wine on the entry has quite a bit of acidic raspberry. A hint of herb that develops in the middle. This is where the wine really gained the longer it was open. Another dimension developed here, almost like a cocoa note, black cherry, mint. This wine definitely developed weight as it finished. At first quite acidic on the finish. Two hours later it was still acidic, but much smoother. This one is gonna be great in 3-4 years. I think I'll drink my 2010's and 2011's now! I see this one being a solid 95 in a few years

First of the trio taken down tonight. Was not decanted, although it probably should have been (for hours). Despite the 96 percent Sangiovese, 4 percent Cab blend, the wine has a really nice 'dusty rose' color to it. The nose is very complex - eucalyptus to raspberry, peppery, herbal, even a bit grassy kind of all in one. The wine on the entry has quite a bit of acidic raspberry. A hint of herb that develops in the middle. This is where the wine really gained the longer it was open. Another dimension developed here, almost like a cocoa note, black cherry, mint. This wine definitely developed weight as it finished. At first quite acidic on the finish. Two hours later it was still acidic, but much smoother. This one is gonna be great in 3-4 years. I think I'll drink my 2010's and 2011's now! I see this one being a solid 95 in a few years

1 person found it helpfulApr 11th, 2017
Paul J
9.3

Excellent structure and wonderful flavor! Age is definitely starting to hurt this wine, but was still great!

Excellent structure and wonderful flavor! Age is definitely starting to hurt this wine, but was still great!

1 person found it helpfulJun 18th, 2016
Lauren Teahen

Delicious & drinkable. Fun play off of Super Tuscan being labeled Super Oakville.

Delicious & drinkable. Fun play off of Super Tuscan being labeled Super Oakville.

1 person found it helpfulFeb 28th, 2015
Ron R
9.4

American Sangiovese!
As I recall, Shafer tried something similar with Firebreak. I loved that (past tense as it is no longer produced), but this is better.
The nose is earthy, yet dominated with cloves and cinnamon.
On the palete, its tightly knit. The wine is precise and polished. Tannins are ripe and muscular. Lovely berries and black olives define the flavor profile. Finishes with sweet tobacco.
Because of its youth, this needs air. It's a beautiful example that should be left to stretch it legs for at least 2 - 3 more years. My rating does not suggest where the wine could go three years from now. Be patient. I expect great things going forward.
@Martin G Rivard thank you so much.

American Sangiovese!
As I recall, Shafer tried something similar with Firebreak. I loved that (past tense as it is no longer produced), but this is better.
The nose is earthy, yet dominated with cloves and cinnamon.
On the palete, its tightly knit. The wine is precise and polished. Tannins are ripe and muscular. Lovely berries and black olives define the flavor profile. Finishes with sweet tobacco.
Because of its youth, this needs air. It's a beautiful example that should be left to stretch it legs for at least 2 - 3 more years. My rating does not suggest where the wine could go three years from now. Be patient. I expect great things going forward.
@Martin G Rivard thank you so much.

Jan 29th, 2017
Will Phelps

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

9.3

Better and better as it opened up. Super yummy, glad I have a few more bottles.

Better and better as it opened up. Super yummy, glad I have a few more bottles.

Dec 14th, 2015