This is one of the most remarkable Sangiovese vineyards in California. Napa got a bad reputation for this grape in the 1980s when Antinori unwisely planted it in the very cold Atlas Peak appellation and flooded the market with some pretty terrible and overpriced wine. Recovering from that disaster has been a long slog, but this wine gives the lie to the notion that Napa is not a good place for the variety. Today’s deal is quite a bargain and will not disappoint.
@winesmith Clark,
To what extent do you have direct knowledge of this bottle, or is is more along the lines of the producer in general, or just the vineyard?
Difficult to make good wine from poor grapes, but how difficult to not make good/great wine from good material?
@rjquillin I have not tasted this particular vintage. I was just weighing in with a vote of confidence concerning the vineyard. It is true that I was working with a different winemaker then. However, Shauna Miller knows her stuff.
Damn! No more ice pack shipping! It was 92 in Atlanta yesterday. “Summer” may be over the heat will be here until October. Super bummed to miss this one.
@jhkey
Same in St. Louis, which is a long way from NE Ohio where I live but it’s as close as the standard shipping takes my wine before leaving it unprotected for the rest of the journey. I was at checkout when I saw the option for upgraded shipping was gone and backed out of the transaction.
@jhkey
Actually, it occurs to me that if the upgraded option is no longer available that must mean that summer shipping has ended and that means no refrigerated shipping at all, to any destination, partial or otherwise. Not even sure if we would get styro at this point. Disappointing, as I was reconsidering taking a chance on this after Clark chimed in about the vineyard and winemaker.
Went tasting here prior to the kickoff party in Sonoma! The tasting room only pours the Black Label series as I recall, and the whites were real standouts. Their Pinot Grigio is one of the most interesting and delicious examples of the varietal I have ever tried. Would love some input from the winemaker as to how the Blue Label differs in style and selection.
@nostrom0 Looks like the wines are comparable. I found retail pricing for both online at $42/bottle. The Black Label also has a riserva version, which is $20 more per bottle. Evidently, the Blue Label is what they use for wines they sell to restaurants, while the Black Label is for direct sales to the public.
I’d love to try 3 at the case price, but can’t justify a flyer on the 3 price given the Italian wines available on the East coast - anyone in Fairfield county CT or Westchester NY want to split.
@KNmeh7 Everyone has a budget…in this instance (and quite often) it’s less about what I can afford than what I’m willing to spend.
I don’t mind paying fair value for wine, though I would always prefer (strongly) to buy a wine whose quality is far above its price - who doesn’t. What I (intensely) dislike doing, is paying for wine whose price is higher (let alone much higher) than its quality.
Unfortunately, that’s very easy to do. Especially, sad to say, in California. So many smaller wineries have high ambitions, higher costs, and little depth of knowledge, which often results in wines that follow current fashion (high alcohol and overripe flavors, often combined with high pH and low acid - resulting in hot, flabby wines which neither age nor please in youth). You don’t have to make high alcohol wines in California, but it’s easier to do that than to work to farm, prune, and harvest for lower alcohol and a point ripe flavors. You have to have a vision of what you want the wine to end up when you think about all of the decisions starting with the end of the previous harvest…
Of course, if we’re talking grand cru Burgundy, of course, then it is about what I can afford …
Luna Vineyards Napa Valley Sangiovese
3 bottles for $79.99 $26.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $244.99 $20.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015 Luna Vineyards Sangiovese - $75 = 23.43%
Notes of classic sangiovese black cherry cola, vanilla and violets on the nose. Bramble berries, earthy, cherry tea tannins on the palate
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
Good wine. You want it, just demystified. Napa Valley’s Luna Vineyards is about great winemaking with minimal intervention to the fruit in the cellar, allowing each release to show itself beautifully in its natural form.
Winemaker Shawna Miller brings you Luna Blue Label. Something intriguing, classy and approachable. With this wine, you are encouraged to connect, experience and play.
The 2015 Napa Valley Sangiovese was sourced from vineyards throughout the valley including Oakville, Calistoga, and Pope Valley sub-appellations. Petite Sirah from rocky river beds in Yountville was added to give layers of complexity and plush tannins. Grapes were harvested mid-September and fermented three weeks for optimal flavor and tannin extraction.
Specifications
Vintage: 2015
Blend: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Napa Valley
Fermentation: 30% new French & Hungarian oak, 70% neutral oak for 18 months
Our innovative roots began in Napa Valley over two decades ago. Luna Vineyards was the first family owned winery to plant the Italian varietal, Pinot Grigio, along the eastern hillside at Silverado Trail. Our original founders brought tradition engrained by Italian ancestors, to embrace local processes that would sustain a deep and abiding respect for the Napa region. We continue to expand our portfolio of award-winning wines and varietals while staying true to our unique history - we are rooted by innovation.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
I have actually visited the Luna vineyards and their tasting room. I really love their wine and I’m a member of their wine club. I didn’t know they had a blue label Sangio. Their Sangio reserve is one of my favorites.
I’m no wine conossieur, but this is an easy decision for me to get a case.
Anyone in South Dakota or Minnesota up for a split? My cellar is poorly stocked with sangiovese at the moment, and this looks interesting - I’d be glad to take 4 or 6 bottles. I’m heading out of town and may not have much internet access until Monday though - I always have to make things difficult. So, if you’re interested, just count me in and we’ll work out how to get bottles where they need to be!
Wondering how this may compare to some sangio from Noceto we’re familiar with?
@rjquillin I’d be interested in hearing the same thing. We love Sangio, but we also know where to find some good stuff at a good price!
This is one of the most remarkable Sangiovese vineyards in California. Napa got a bad reputation for this grape in the 1980s when Antinori unwisely planted it in the very cold Atlas Peak appellation and flooded the market with some pretty terrible and overpriced wine. Recovering from that disaster has been a long slog, but this wine gives the lie to the notion that Napa is not a good place for the variety. Today’s deal is quite a bargain and will not disappoint.
@winesmith Clark,
To what extent do you have direct knowledge of this bottle, or is is more along the lines of the producer in general, or just the vineyard?
Difficult to make good wine from poor grapes, but how difficult to not make good/great wine from good material?
Just asking…
@rjquillin I have not tasted this particular vintage. I was just weighing in with a vote of confidence concerning the vineyard. It is true that I was working with a different winemaker then. However, Shauna Miller knows her stuff.
@winesmith Thanks Clark!
Respect your opinion, and your wine.
@winesmith Glad to see you’re still around (haven’t heard back on any of the emails I’ve sent your way).
Damn! No more ice pack shipping! It was 92 in Atlanta yesterday. “Summer” may be over the heat will be here until October. Super bummed to miss this one.
@jhkey
Same in St. Louis, which is a long way from NE Ohio where I live but it’s as close as the standard shipping takes my wine before leaving it unprotected for the rest of the journey. I was at checkout when I saw the option for upgraded shipping was gone and backed out of the transaction.
@jhkey
Actually, it occurs to me that if the upgraded option is no longer available that must mean that summer shipping has ended and that means no refrigerated shipping at all, to any destination, partial or otherwise. Not even sure if we would get styro at this point. Disappointing, as I was reconsidering taking a chance on this after Clark chimed in about the vineyard and winemaker.
I’m in for the dead leaves
Went tasting here prior to the kickoff party in Sonoma! The tasting room only pours the Black Label series as I recall, and the whites were real standouts. Their Pinot Grigio is one of the most interesting and delicious examples of the varietal I have ever tried. Would love some input from the winemaker as to how the Blue Label differs in style and selection.
@nostrom0 Looks like the wines are comparable. I found retail pricing for both online at $42/bottle. The Black Label also has a riserva version, which is $20 more per bottle. Evidently, the Blue Label is what they use for wines they sell to restaurants, while the Black Label is for direct sales to the public.
Anyone near Syracuse up for a split?
@FritzCat
grieving-nutritious-raven
I’d love to try 3 at the case price, but can’t justify a flyer on the 3 price given the Italian wines available on the East coast - anyone in Fairfield county CT or Westchester NY want to split.
@rpm I mean this is the nicest way possible, but I always just assumed you lived in California. You have a budget? My mind is blown.
Have appreciated your input for years. Be well.
@KNmeh7 Everyone has a budget…in this instance (and quite often) it’s less about what I can afford than what I’m willing to spend.
I don’t mind paying fair value for wine, though I would always prefer (strongly) to buy a wine whose quality is far above its price - who doesn’t. What I (intensely) dislike doing, is paying for wine whose price is higher (let alone much higher) than its quality.
Unfortunately, that’s very easy to do. Especially, sad to say, in California. So many smaller wineries have high ambitions, higher costs, and little depth of knowledge, which often results in wines that follow current fashion (high alcohol and overripe flavors, often combined with high pH and low acid - resulting in hot, flabby wines which neither age nor please in youth). You don’t have to make high alcohol wines in California, but it’s easier to do that than to work to farm, prune, and harvest for lower alcohol and a point ripe flavors. You have to have a vision of what you want the wine to end up when you think about all of the decisions starting with the end of the previous harvest…
Of course, if we’re talking grand cru Burgundy, of course, then it is about what I can afford …
Luna Vineyards Napa Valley Sangiovese
3 bottles for $79.99 $26.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $244.99 $20.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2015 Luna Vineyards Sangiovese
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015 Luna Vineyards Sangiovese - $75 = 23.43%
Quiet in here. No Rats?
Do we have a window on this one?
Excellent wine with spicy spaghetti and meatballs! Really light and tastes great.
Tasting Notes
Notes of classic sangiovese black cherry cola, vanilla and violets on the nose. Bramble berries, earthy, cherry tea tannins on the palate
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
Good wine. You want it, just demystified. Napa Valley’s Luna Vineyards is about great winemaking with minimal intervention to the fruit in the cellar, allowing each release to show itself beautifully in its natural form.
Winemaker Shawna Miller brings you Luna Blue Label. Something intriguing, classy and approachable. With this wine, you are encouraged to connect, experience and play.
The 2015 Napa Valley Sangiovese was sourced from vineyards throughout the valley including Oakville, Calistoga, and Pope Valley sub-appellations. Petite Sirah from rocky river beds in Yountville was added to give layers of complexity and plush tannins. Grapes were harvested mid-September and fermented three weeks for optimal flavor and tannin extraction.
Specifications
Price Comparison
$595.82/case at Solano Cellars (including shipping)
About The Winery
Winery: Luna Vineyards
Our innovative roots began in Napa Valley over two decades ago. Luna Vineyards was the first family owned winery to plant the Italian varietal, Pinot Grigio, along the eastern hillside at Silverado Trail. Our original founders brought tradition engrained by Italian ancestors, to embrace local processes that would sustain a deep and abiding respect for the Napa region. We continue to expand our portfolio of award-winning wines and varietals while staying true to our unique history - we are rooted by innovation.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, October 12th - Tuesday, October 16th
Any rats?
Any SanD folks going to buy and want to sell of 2-3 of these?
I have actually visited the Luna vineyards and their tasting room. I really love their wine and I’m a member of their wine club. I didn’t know they had a blue label Sangio. Their Sangio reserve is one of my favorites.
I’m no wine conossieur, but this is an easy decision for me to get a case.
Anyone in Chicago up for a split?
Anyone in South Dakota or Minnesota up for a split? My cellar is poorly stocked with sangiovese at the moment, and this looks interesting - I’d be glad to take 4 or 6 bottles. I’m heading out of town and may not have much internet access until Monday though - I always have to make things difficult. So, if you’re interested, just count me in and we’ll work out how to get bottles where they need to be!
Anyone in Seattle looking to share. I would only want 3 bottles max.
Any SD casemates looking to split a case? I want 4 to 6 bottles.
@dbarrym I could help with a few, perhaps four max.
You want to tag the normal suspects for additional interest?
Anyone in WNY - Buffalo area want to split? I’d take 3-4, maybe 6.
Luna is a legit outfit.