Among Tuscany's oldest and most prestigious wine families, Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari teamed with Allen Shoup to produce a wine that showcases Washington state's terroir with plenty of Italian character. Saggi (meaning "wisdom") is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah.

Tasting notes

Dark cherry aromas and flavors combine with a hint of nutmeg in this Super Tuscan style blend. An elegant entry in the front of the mouth reveals refined tannins with focused concentration, enhanced by the wine’s silky mouth feel and lengthy finish.

Rating

Tight and crisp, offering a lively mouthful of floral-tinged raspberry and spice flavors that linger against chewy tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best from 2011 through 2016. 1,725 cases made. –HS Wine Spectator 89 points (Jun 30 2009)

Wine maker notes

Hand-picked grapes were fermented in two and four ton tanks, with particular care given to the Sangiovese, a delicate grape that requires gentle handling to avoid green character. To give the wine a full mid-palate, the Folonari’s called for an extended fermentation before aging the wine in a combination of new (60%) and used (40%) small French oak barrels for 19 months.