Unti Vineyards
Dry Creek Valley Montepulciano
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
I was completely unfamiliar with this winery until a visit to Dry Creek back in 2019. We randomly booked an AirBNB in neighboring Geyserville that happened to belong to the proprietors of Unti. They invited us to visit the winery and I’m so glad we made the effort to do so. They specialize in varieties that grow in and around the Mediterranean. This bottle of the 2016 Montepulciano was brought back from that winery visit and enjoyed over two days. It showed best on Day 2 and these notes reflect that experience.
The wine pours a deep garnet with an opaque core and a slightly watery rim; medium+ viscosity. On the nose, medium intensity with raspberries, blackberries, lingonberries, baking spices, purple flowers and crushed concrete. On the palate, a mixed fruit set with mostly blue and black fruits, figs, blackberries, mulberries, dark cherry, baking spices and minerals. Medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. This finish is long and dry. Came across quite young and primary. Years to go on these.
I was completely unfamiliar with this winery until a visit to Dry Creek back in 2019. We randomly booked an AirBNB in neighboring Geyserville that happened to belong to the proprietors of Unti. They invited us to visit the winery and I’m so glad we made the effort to do so. They specialize in varieties that grow in and around the Mediterranean. This bottle of the 2016 Montepulciano was brought back from that winery visit and enjoyed over two days. It showed best on Day 2 and these notes reflect that experience.
The wine pours a deep garnet with an opaque core and a slightly watery rim; medium+ viscosity. On the nose, medium intensity with raspberries, blackberries, lingonberries, baking spices, purple flowers and crushed concrete. On the palate, a mixed fruit set with mostly blue and black fruits, figs, blackberries, mulberries, dark cherry, baking spices and minerals. Medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. This finish is long and dry. Came across quite young and primary. Years to go on these.
Hell to the yes. The tannins are abrasive but soft. Like a kitten batting her paws at your face and you may get a claw and that's okay. A thick purple brew rife with stewed fruit of any purple or black variety but then that zing! Bright high acid to balance the doom and gloom of hardcore tannins. Get into this. Well done Cali. I want more
Hell to the yes. The tannins are abrasive but soft. Like a kitten batting her paws at your face and you may get a claw and that's okay. A thick purple brew rife with stewed fruit of any purple or black variety but then that zing! Bright high acid to balance the doom and gloom of hardcore tannins. Get into this. Well done Cali. I want more
Jan 9th, 2017I remember the Unti newsletter saying they consider Moroder Dorico the prototypical Montepulciano. Spot on. Blind, you would be challenged to pick the Italian wine. Excellent w/ flank steak & grilled veggies.
I remember the Unti newsletter saying they consider Moroder Dorico the prototypical Montepulciano. Spot on. Blind, you would be challenged to pick the Italian wine. Excellent w/ flank steak & grilled veggies.
Apr 27th, 2015Seriously, more Unti wines should be consumed with this much age on them.
Seriously, more Unti wines should be consumed with this much age on them.
Apr 9th, 2015
Not bad worth thinking about!
Not bad worth thinking about!
Sep 19th, 2013
Strong but soft tannins. Little burst of acidity to balance it. Deep, almost opaque purple. Beautiful wine.
Strong but soft tannins. Little burst of acidity to balance it. Deep, almost opaque purple. Beautiful wine.
Jun 19th, 2021
Nice rich fruit and high acidity made it great with food ... especially deep dish pizza.
Nice rich fruit and high acidity made it great with food ... especially deep dish pizza.
Jun 20th, 2020
Red plum, blackberry, dried thyme, baking spices and mesquite. Really amazing and enjoyable, medium body and mouthfeel, spicy tannins and herbal finish.
Red plum, blackberry, dried thyme, baking spices and mesquite. Really amazing and enjoyable, medium body and mouthfeel, spicy tannins and herbal finish.
Feb 3rd, 2020