1998 Miner Mendocino Sangiovese

Miner is in the Oakville appellation. It was founded by Dave and Emily Miner. Dave Miner was a software executive and Emily had worked in the wine industry. Their debut vintage was in 1996. Gary Brookman is winemaker and he worked previously at Joseph Phelps, among other places. Miner makes a large portfolio of wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Tempranillo.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This red grape is largely grown in central Italy. As the sole component or in a blend, it gives us Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino and Super Tuscans, among other favorites wines. The name is derived from the Latin for “blood of Jove.”