When Nicholas Caston’s grandfather Peter Gusmano immigrated to California from Italy, little did he know that he was delivering his future grandson to his future passion: wine. The prime vineyards and rich culture of Sonoma County’s wine industry inspired Nicholas to combine his Irish and Italian heritage to pursue the thing that makes people smile.
By taking the prime grapes from select vineyards in California, Nicholas is creating unique Italian-inspired wines to share with family, friends, and those who share his passion for small batch wines that chase the unique characteristics of each vintage.
“I invite you to join me and my family on our vino adventure. Raise a glass and start your next dinner or day by the pool with a glass of our fine wine. We made it for you to enjoy!” – Nicholas Caston, Proprietor and Winemaker
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
The bottle arrived this afternoon, just in time for a quick chill. We braved the 59˚ Lost Coast heat (sorry not sorry) for an early evening charcuterie plate on the deck.
Straight to the point, this is a delicious, dry rosé. A beautiful deep, peach-pink color greets you in the glass. The floral nose presents with soft, subdued notes of strawberry. Tasting confirms strawberry along with melon & cucumber. The flavors aren’t particularly pronounced and yet they somehow manage to fill the palate with a medium-long finish.
This rosé paired nicely with a dry savory salami and a nutty, aged sheep milk cheese. Expect it to work well with poultry and pork chops. I probably wouldn’t serve this as a refreshing summertime party wine. It’s too sophisticated for that. The SO and I agree that is one of the best rosés we’ve come across. We’re in for a case. The label states there were fewer than 120 cases produced, so don’t wait too long on this offer.
2020 Caston Rose of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley CA.
I received the wonderful email providing notice of an inbound rat bottle. It’s a tumultuous time, so this will have to be a Rat-lite, as much as I appreciate the opportunity! It was a brave decision, sending it off to the Mid-Atlantic where we’re in the midst of downright formidable heat wave! Fedex kept time in transit minimal. The bottle was delivered late morning while I was at work and languished in the heat. By the end of the workday, some shade crept over the curb where the delivery was left so the shipping box was only slightly warm. On opening the box though, the bottle itself bordered on hot. I found the above Rose of Sangiovese, something new. I’m not very familiar with Rose in general or (non-Rose) Sangiovese, having only tasted them a few times. I placed it on the counter at room temperature for two hours to allow it to settle down, then moved it to the top shelf of the refrigerator. A couple hours later, I reacquainted myself with my new guest. I could see wine had made its way past the bottom of the cork and into the upper reaches of the bottle neck. That said, I saw no indication that it made it all the way to freedom, the fill level looked normal and not depleted and the cork wasn’t pushed up. On opening, I noted a mild perhaps muted and indistinct fruit aroma. Same in the glass. The wine had a great rose-gold appearance, at least in the light of the room at the time. On first taste, I noted a pleasant fruit taste- like blended rainier cherry and unripe kiwi. Contrary to consensus, I did not find it to be dry, but I’m clearly an outlier on that so it can be chalked up to an unrefined palette on my part. I agree that it isn’t sweet- but I’ll refrain from suggesting just right. There was no astringency to comment on, and a slight sour inflection – very, very mild like diffused sour apple. Very subtle and not at all unpleasant. I had some guests visit and they helped themselves to the wine. All agreed that it was pleasant if not compelling. Ultimately, they were no help with adjectives, perhaps being more predisposed to politics and current affairs, than prose. Less than 120 cases produced, so those interested in a comparatively unique experience or with easily wowed companions can bear that in mind. I think it’s a pleasant experience, a safe bet to please those that prefer a Rose, those that appreciate tasting something different and on the refreshing side of the continuum- at least compared to the inky releases that I was leaning toward some months ago. Thanks to Casemates for the opportunity to enjoy and share that experience!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
2020 Caston Rosé of Sangiovese -
$35 = 19.43%
2020 Caston Rosé of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$336.00/Case for 12x 2020 Caston Rosé of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County at Caston Family Wines
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 15 - Tuesday, Aug 16
2020 Caston Rosé of Sangiovese
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $144.99 $12.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020 Caston Rosé of Sangiovese
The bottle arrived this afternoon, just in time for a quick chill. We braved the 59˚ Lost Coast heat (sorry not sorry) for an early evening charcuterie plate on the deck.
Straight to the point, this is a delicious, dry rosé. A beautiful deep, peach-pink color greets you in the glass. The floral nose presents with soft, subdued notes of strawberry. Tasting confirms strawberry along with melon & cucumber. The flavors aren’t particularly pronounced and yet they somehow manage to fill the palate with a medium-long finish.
This rosé paired nicely with a dry savory salami and a nutty, aged sheep milk cheese. Expect it to work well with poultry and pork chops. I probably wouldn’t serve this as a refreshing summertime party wine. It’s too sophisticated for that. The SO and I agree that is one of the best rosés we’ve come across. We’re in for a case. The label states there were fewer than 120 cases produced, so don’t wait too long on this offer.
2020 Caston Rose of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley CA.
I received the wonderful email providing notice of an inbound rat bottle. It’s a tumultuous time, so this will have to be a Rat-lite, as much as I appreciate the opportunity! It was a brave decision, sending it off to the Mid-Atlantic where we’re in the midst of downright formidable heat wave! Fedex kept time in transit minimal. The bottle was delivered late morning while I was at work and languished in the heat. By the end of the workday, some shade crept over the curb where the delivery was left so the shipping box was only slightly warm. On opening the box though, the bottle itself bordered on hot. I found the above Rose of Sangiovese, something new. I’m not very familiar with Rose in general or (non-Rose) Sangiovese, having only tasted them a few times. I placed it on the counter at room temperature for two hours to allow it to settle down, then moved it to the top shelf of the refrigerator. A couple hours later, I reacquainted myself with my new guest. I could see wine had made its way past the bottom of the cork and into the upper reaches of the bottle neck. That said, I saw no indication that it made it all the way to freedom, the fill level looked normal and not depleted and the cork wasn’t pushed up. On opening, I noted a mild perhaps muted and indistinct fruit aroma. Same in the glass. The wine had a great rose-gold appearance, at least in the light of the room at the time. On first taste, I noted a pleasant fruit taste- like blended rainier cherry and unripe kiwi. Contrary to consensus, I did not find it to be dry, but I’m clearly an outlier on that so it can be chalked up to an unrefined palette on my part. I agree that it isn’t sweet- but I’ll refrain from suggesting just right. There was no astringency to comment on, and a slight sour inflection – very, very mild like diffused sour apple. Very subtle and not at all unpleasant. I had some guests visit and they helped themselves to the wine. All agreed that it was pleasant if not compelling. Ultimately, they were no help with adjectives, perhaps being more predisposed to politics and current affairs, than prose. Less than 120 cases produced, so those interested in a comparatively unique experience or with easily wowed companions can bear that in mind. I think it’s a pleasant experience, a safe bet to please those that prefer a Rose, those that appreciate tasting something different and on the refreshing side of the continuum- at least compared to the inky releases that I was leaning toward some months ago. Thanks to Casemates for the opportunity to enjoy and share that experience!
@smtcapecod FedEx!?
@rjquillin Er, UPS?
Whichever, I wasn’t there when they tossed/abandoned it on the curb and sped away.
Sangiovese is one of my favorite wines but I’ve never had a rose version. I really wished they shipped to Michigan.
@wulfgard Aw, man, Kansas is out in the cold on this one, too… I’d have loved to get some of this.
Perfect timing, I have completely depleted my rose stash. Count me in!
/giphy macho-disillusioned-side
Excited! And out of rose and since it’s going to be 100+ for another 2 months in SC, in for a case.
/giphy secretive-caring-clam
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
2020 Caston Rosé of Sangiovese -
$35 = 19.43%
/giphy artistic-disturbed-music
@cduan as we spoke, let me know if you want to split some, that is if the Lady Cduan permits!
I absolutely love Noceto’s Rose of Sangiovese…has anyone had both & able to offer opinion?