2002 Kiona Red Mountain Sangiovese

[dananne]

A pioneer on Red Mountain, the Williams family planted back in 1972. This Sangiovese comes from a tiny experimental plot more recently planted in 2000. We tasted it at the winery last summer with the grandson, who was home visiting from Gonzaga, so I didn't pay as much attention at the time as Anne did, since I was too busy talking Zags hoops. Anyway, she advised purchase at the time, so here we are.

Garnet color, with plum and red fruits on the nose that carry over to the palate. Medium body. Good, lengthy finish that picks up some oak (10 months in 20% new oak)and acidity. Now that I'm paying attention, I don't think it was as good as the Sangiovese we brought home from Zerba Cellars, though it is probably on par with one we bought at Russell Creek (though everything else at Russell Creek seemed like drek at the time). Washington has a future with the grape, though, IMHO. They give it more body and flesh, though their take offers less acidity. Anne liked this one better than I did. We paired it with homemade pizzas and it did fine. Alc. 13.5%. Paid about $20 at the winery.

[Innkeeper]

Their Cab is tops. Swapped CCK two bottles of a Collio Merlot were into a few years ago for two of the first tier Kiona Cabs. Both were around $18 at the time. We were both very happy wine drinkers.

[dananne]

Agree about their Cab, IK. It is very nice and offers good QPR, too. We picked up a few at the winery that are resting comfortably in the cellar.