1998 Showket Vineyards Sangiovese

Showket Vineyards is in the hills near Oakville in Napa Valley. It was started in 1988 when Kal and Dorothy Showket bought vineyards and started sourcing grapes to Caymus, Dalle Valle, Shafer and others. In 1997 the couple began putting their own label on wines made from some of their grapes. Heidi Peterson Barrett was their winemaker for 10 years, followed by Thomas Brocker and Russell Bevan, who are the current wine makers. The estate makes Bordeaux blends, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

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.”