Suncé Winery & Vineyard, Reserve Les Trois Amis 2004, Russian River Valley, California

Tasting Note: An aged sangiovese, merlot and cabernet sauvignon blend from Sunce Vineyards that proves the winery is capable of making wines that not only age but benefit with age.

Deep-intensity garnet in color, this wine has a medium-intensity nose of restrained black fruit including red cherry, black currant and raspberry and blackberry.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied red blend is smooth in texture showing the mellowing of age but with a streak of fresh fruit running underneath the surface.

The wine is medium in acidity with ripe, smooth-textured, medium-plus tannin.

The wine is balanced, with midpalate concentration and a unified flavor structure.

I have more aged Sunce wine in my cellar which I look forward to enjoying.

Bottle Note: Unfiltered. Suncé is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County. We specialize in small artisan lots of varietal wine and classic blends. “To find eternity in a grain of sand or in a drop of wine.” Enjoy our unique Tuscan-style blend of 44% Merlot, 44% Sangiovese and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Russian River Valley. The merlot adds an element of velvety plum fruit with hints of clove and cinnamon, the cabernet sauvignon adds a dimension of tannin and structure also known as “back bone” – while the sangiovese chimes in with flavors of black cherries and alfalfa with notes of white pepper offering a long silky finish. This wine is an excellent accompaniment to hearty pasta dishes in a tomato-based sauce with meat or sausage, it goes great with Osso Bucco. Only 300 cases made.