The 2008 Terra d’Oro is 100% Aglianico from the Shenendoah Valley in Amador County. The wine was fermented in half-ton bins and was pressed directly into barrels after seven days of skin contact. It spent 16 months in 100% second fill American oak. The initial aromas consisted of a smoked bacon note up front, oak notes and, fainter berries in background. In the mouth, slight sweetness embellished fleshy, sweet red fruit. This lower medium-bodied wine was round, rich and plush with a velvet-like texture, good acids, a bit of heat. An upper medium-length finish started with heat and transitioned to some juicy red and dark fruit. On the second day, the fruit aromas were more distinct and consisted of vague, plummy fruit accompanied by spice and vanilla oak notes. The character of the fruit carried onto the palate. Tannins remained fine and velvet-like, but were rather drying, initially. Acids become more declared after a short delay. A pruny note lingered at end of the finish. This riper, somewhat mature-tasting wine was unobtrusive with brisket and the BBQ ribs. (14.2% ABV, 2 bottles tasted, 308 cases made)
WHO: Terra d’Oro
WHAT: Aglianico
WHERE: Amador County, CA
WHEN: 2008
HOW MUCH: $18
