Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Alicante Bouschet 2012, Dempel Vineyard, Mendocino County, California

Tasting Note: An Alicante Bouschet bursting with lovely aromatics, ripe fruit and depth of flavor delighting all the senses.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, pronounced-intensity nose of red cherry, bramble, black plum, raspberry puree, violet blossom, cinnamon and clove with just a hint of ginger.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied Alicante Bouschet has ripe, medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and velvety, medium-plus tannin.

There is midpalate complexity and balance between the fruit and still-bright acid structure with just a hint of tartness.

I wish there was more Alicante Bouschet to go around, and specifically more bottles like this which have benefited from age and development in the bottle.

See previous note of same vintage tasted in 2018.

Bottle Note: Suncé is an artisan winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County, specializing in vineyard-designated varietal wines and classic blends. “To find eternity in a grain of sand or a drop of wine.” Only 12 barrels made.