2006 Wild Horse Peak IL Temporale

IL TEMPORALE
Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard
2006
Blended from 58% Sangiovese 19% Cabernet Sauvignon
13% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot

The “Super Tuscan” style of wine that evolved in and around Tuscany, Italy during the eighties has reinvented the local variety, Sangiovese, into a muscular and powerful wine. These incredible blends bring the heart of Bordeaux into the mix, often times with very little or no Sangiovese. Known more as the soul of Chianti, Sangiovese now takes on a new dimension in these super cuvees made with Merlot, Petit Verdot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The naturally high acid nature of Sangiovese is softened and given new structure with the fleshy fruit of the Bordelaise varieties.

IL Temporale, which means “thunderstorm”, is so named because of the lightning storm that felled a century old oak tree at the corner of the Sangiovese vineyard. The lightening strike to that oak gave the Thunderbolt Block its name and was the start of something electrifying. The storm may have happened ten years ago, but all the vintages of Wild Horse Peak Sangiovese have demonstrated amazing promise, often being compared to Brunello, Italian wines which are the pinnacle of Sangiovese style.

Our goal for IL Temporale was to create a wine that demonstrated the regional character of our South Coast appellation, yet would rival the “super Tuscans” of Italy. We wanted to maintain the varietal character of Sangiovese, yet give the Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Merlot some influence. We wanted depth and richness, fruit character and strength. Thus, the wine was blended shortly after the 2006 harvest finished and then placed in one year old French oak barrels, so the oak character would develop slowly. After 14 months, the wine’s aroma evolves the wood tones warmly and delicately. The berry fruit of the Cabernet Sauvignon and rose petal aromas of Merlot wrap around the vibrant earthy core of the Sangiovese and the Petit Verdot covers this framework with a peppery, fruity skin that is soft and inviting. This wine will be a temptation to drink now, so do not bother to resist. If your will power is stronger, you could wait up to five years to enjoy this real gem from Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards.