January: 2020 Veer Wine Project Sangiovese
With its spiritual home in the heart of Tuscany, Sangiovese is unquestionably the signature grape of Italy. Whether it be Chianti, Chianti Classico, or Brunello di Montalcino, these wines enjoy a worldwide following.
The grape-growing regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres sit between 30 and 50 degrees latitude. Tuscany rests at a latitude 43.5 degrees north. If you follow that latitude around the globe you will discover that it goes through Idaho’s Snake River Valley AVA. It is there that you will find Will Wetmore’s Veer Wine Project and his 2020 Sangiovese, our January wine of the month.
The Sangiovese grape, when made as a premium wine, is generally characterized by high acid, high tannin, and high alcohol. On the nose and palate you’ll experience red cherry, red plum, strawberry, chestnut, game, leather, oak, mushroom, tobacco, and cedar. In short, it is red-fruit driven and rustic.
Veer Wine Project’s Sangiovese comes from the Arena Valley Vineyard. Wetmore fermented it both wildly and conventionally. The extended skin contact time of 20 days coaxed out extra tannin to add complexity. Our reviewers noted aromas and flavors of raspberry, red cherry, violet, toast, fresh herbs, and spice. The high acid and medium-plus tannin give this wine great structure and aging potential, though it is enjoyable right now. It stands up quite well to its Italian brethren.
As our readers know, it is not enough for a wine to be great but it must also provide great value. At $32.00 per bottle the 2020 Veer Wine Project Sangiovese drinks way above its price point and is therefore our January Wine of the Month.
Learn more about Veer Wine Project, buy their Sangiovese, and follow them here:
https://www.veerwineproject.com
@veerwineproject
February: 2020 Martin Ray Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
An outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for less than $40.00? It’s true, it’s the 2020 Synthesis by Martin Ray Winery & Vineyards, and it’s our February Wine of the Month.
Though Santa Rosa-based, Martin Ray has sourced from around the great Napa Valley mountain and valley floor appellations: 40% Oakville, 16% Stags Leap District, 12% Oak Knoll, 12% Yountville, 8% Rutherford, 5% St. Helena, 5% Mount Veeder, 2% Diamond Mountain District. The result is a wine that is eminently balanced with layered complexity, ripe tannins, bright acidity, and subtle approachability.
On the nose and palate this Synthesis Cab has a wonderful primary combination of black fruit and concentrated red fruits, secondary notes of chocolate and toast, and tertiary characteristics of turned earth and walnuts. Frankly, it has something for just about every Cab-lover’s palate. You can drink it now, but it has the acidity and tertiary backbone to lay it down for many years.
At Peninsula Underground we are always on the lookout for great value wines. It can be hard to find, and often quite relative, when it comes to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. However, whether you buy it from Martin Ray ($55.00) or from Wine.com ($39.99), the 2020 Martin Ray Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is one of the great values for a premium wine anywhere in California. We highly recommend it.
Learn more about Martin Ray Winery & Vineyards and follow them here:
https://www.martinraywinery.com
@MartinRayWinery