Once & Future Wines
Sangiacomo Vineyard Merlot
Carneros, North Coast, California, USA
Infanticide? Probably...but this is my first experience with a Sangiacomo Merlot and wanted to assess future purchasing potential. As expected, this came across very young and I did not give it the air time that it rightfully should have received. Nevertheless, the quality was undeniable and the potential, obvious. This was a mix of berries and cream, anise, and some mint. Super duper fresh. Medium weight. Long finish. For those that were able to grab some, I strongly suggest giving these cellar time or, at the very least, an extended decant. This is already good and has a very bright future.
Infanticide? Probably...but this is my first experience with a Sangiacomo Merlot and wanted to assess future purchasing potential. As expected, this came across very young and I did not give it the air time that it rightfully should have received. Nevertheless, the quality was undeniable and the potential, obvious. This was a mix of berries and cream, anise, and some mint. Super duper fresh. Medium weight. Long finish. For those that were able to grab some, I strongly suggest giving these cellar time or, at the very least, an extended decant. This is already good and has a very bright future.
Apr 16th, 2019Pulled the cork about 30 minutes before and allowed to breath. This was my selection to commemorate International Merlot Day…which I guess is a thing? Anyway, the 2018 O&F “Sangiacomo” Merlot pours a deep ruby color with medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. There is actually a huge amount of sediment already…not sure if I got a bottle that was filled from the bottom of the barrel or what but I can confirm that it was significant. Otherwise, the wine was extremely youthful. On the nose, initially reductive and predominately dark fruited with some purple flowers, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. This comes across as extremely primary. The dark fruits are confirmed: tart plums and dark cherry along with some tar as well. The wine has a bit of a green streak to it but I’m confident that will sort itself out with some cellar time. The finish is long and full of energy. The 2018 Sangiacomo Merlot would welcome a meal and otherwise, requires some patience. I thought the best glass was the last glass as it started to stretch its legs after a couple of hours. I would hold until 2028 before opening another bottle. This should drink well past 2035. 441 cases made.
Pulled the cork about 30 minutes before and allowed to breath. This was my selection to commemorate International Merlot Day…which I guess is a thing? Anyway, the 2018 O&F “Sangiacomo” Merlot pours a deep ruby color with medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. There is actually a huge amount of sediment already…not sure if I got a bottle that was filled from the bottom of the barrel or what but I can confirm that it was significant. Otherwise, the wine was extremely youthful. On the nose, initially reductive and predominately dark fruited with some purple flowers, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. This comes across as extremely primary. The dark fruits are confirmed: tart plums and dark cherry along with some tar as well. The wine has a bit of a green streak to it but I’m confident that will sort itself out with some cellar time. The finish is long and full of energy. The 2018 Sangiacomo Merlot would welcome a meal and otherwise, requires some patience. I thought the best glass was the last glass as it started to stretch its legs after a couple of hours. I would hold until 2028 before opening another bottle. This should drink well past 2035. 441 cases made.
1 person found it helpfulNov 8th, 2022
Should have gotten more. So beautiful.
Should have gotten more. So beautiful.
Jul 12th, 2023
Red currant and graphite, velvety tannin, lovely bottle. And outdoor dining is back!
Red currant and graphite, velvety tannin, lovely bottle. And outdoor dining is back!
Jan 30th, 2021
Coronavirus Stay at home wine. Great texture. Velvety and smooth. Luscious blue fruit flavors.
Coronavirus Stay at home wine. Great texture. Velvety and smooth. Luscious blue fruit flavors.
Mar 15th, 2020Not much experience with Merlot but we thought this was fantastic. So smooth, like velvet in the mouth
Not much experience with Merlot but we thought this was fantastic. So smooth, like velvet in the mouth
May 1st, 2018