Idlewild Fox Hill Dolcetto 2017
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Planted in the Fox Hill Vineyard in Mendocino this is a rare gem from California. The plantings were inspired by the owner, Lowell Stone who decided to follow his passion and plant what he was most interested in. Many trips to Italy turned to inspiration and the wild spectrum of varieties began to take root. Dolcetto does have a serious side that when shown in balance highlights the grape's ability to be compelling. Fermented 100% whole cluster with partial foot treading, this vintage shows the contrast of bright freshness against a firm structure that Lowell Stone loves seeing in Dolcetto. The nose shows black cherry, almond, anise, fresh soil, allspice, and cinnamon stick. The mouth is medium bodied with freshness and firm tannin on the finish. It is joyful and fully serious all at once.
Other Vintages
2015-
Wong
Wilfred
The criterion for selecting a vineyard is quite simple: the site has to be compelling. Attributes that create a special vineyard are uniqueness in climate, varietal, soil, vine age, and vineyard practice. Perhaps most important though, the vineyard must show quality, balance, and soul.
An easy drinking red with soft fruity flavors—but catchy tannins, Dolcetto is often enjoyed in its native Piedmont on a casual weekday night, or for apertivo (the canonical Piedmontese pre-dinner appetizer hour). Somm Secret—In most of Piedmont, easy-ripening Dolcetto is relegated to the secondary sites—the best of which are reserved for the king variety: Nebbiolo. However, in the Dogliani zone it is the star of the show, and makes a more serious style of Dolcetto, many of which can improve with cellar time.
A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.