Muccigrosso Vineyards

This wine is another stellar effort by winemaker Jacob Kaufman. But this should come as no surprise, since Jacob Kaufman knows a few things about sourcing great fruit. The demise of many grape grower contracts due to the internal tsunami that shook David Bruce Winery earlier this century, became the inspiration for many of the finer wines we now can enjoy throughout the appellation, thanks to Jacob’ six years at David Bruce, where he developed many relationships with growers, and a respect for their viticultural practices. So, as they say, when one door closes, another door opens.

Muccigrosso has snagged several of these contracts to create a refreshingly win-win situation, perhaps all too rare in this increasingly competitive industry. Kaufman takes the carefully nurtured fruit and beautifully showcases it in his masterfully crafted wines. It’s as though a graceful wood nymph has been ever so tastefully veiled in gossamer. Light touch is the watchword here.

Amongst my favorites is his 2003 Pinot Noir. It is a thing of beauty. The wine opens with a graceful and charming Pinot nose with aromas of sweet raspberries. It looks and tastes like raspberry velvet, with sumptuously juicy ripe white peaches and dripping sweet plums. This gorgeous wine has delightful touches of cinnamon and nutmeg, with nicely balanced acids and soft tannins. ($378/case from the winery)

Reviewed June 14, 2006 by Laura Ness.