Winery: G. Cuneo

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: Bonatello Riserva

Wine Category: Sangiovese

Grape blend: 100% Sangiovese

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Columbia Valley

State or country: Washington

Price: $60

ABV: 15.5%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score: 88

Review date: Feb 2, 2019

Color:  Plum, soft pink rim

Nose:  Cherry and floral notes

Taste:  Tart cherry, strawberry, fruit role up, and cola.   Light bodied.

Assessment:  This release has a relatively high alcohol content of 15.5%.   The resulting heat tends to distract the palate from the great character this wine has, and takes away from the old world wine made in the new world story the wine maker is trying to tell.  Having said that, this wine has a lot going for it.  It has a large flavor profile.  It’s delicate and light bodied and has well balanced tannins and acidity.  At 7 years old, it could still use some aging; I recommend decanting your bottle before enjoying it.

I visited this tasting room on my last trip out to Walla Walla and enjoyed many of G.  Cuneo’s wines.  He is doing something different than the rest of the region (Columbia valley).  His focus is making Italian style wines in Washington state.  He does it well;  I can hardly wait to pop open a few more of them.  Find some here.

Cuneo Bonatello Riserva is a very good wine. 88 points

Pairing recommendation:  Steak, pasta, or dark chocolate.