Eureka!! 2017 VJB Cellars Estate Aglianico
Eureka is Latin for “I have found it”. While it has been on the California state seal since 1849, referring to the great gold rush, I shouted out Eureka when I tasted this fabulous wine this week. I was introduced to it a friend’s home. Immediately I experienced and was hooked on one of the best Aglianico I have tasted. While I have a few different ones in the cellar from Italy, this just became the pinnacle and the Holy Grail of Aglianico and surprisingly from California.
Aglianico is a black grape originally from the southern regions of Italy, Basilicata and Campania. It is considered one of the three greatest Italian varietals along with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo (Italian wine writer Ian D’Agata). On the eyes and deep almost blackish red/purple coloring and a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose blueberry and black cherry resonated immediately. On the palate a symphony of flavors provided flavors of distinction. They ranged from black fruits, soft leather, cracked peppercorns and black cherries. Secondary flavors arose of chocolate, rustic old world wine and licorice. On the finish, there was no doubt that you were experiencing a high acid and high tannins, both of which were non-offensive showing character and resilience of the wine. Their pricing on the website shows $50/a bottle.
If you like Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc, this is one stellar wine. We were going to try some other wines and our hosts and us were so excited about this wine, another bottle was opened! This wine just made my list of Best Wines of 2021 hands down!
We are now in the planning stages to head to Sonoma to purchase some of this wine!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 