2001 Lookout Ridge Alta Coma Sangiovese

Lookout Ridge was founded in 1988 when Gordon Holmes, a former publisher of highly successful investment magazines decided to leave Wall Street and start a winery in the Mayacamas Mountains overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Given his career in investing and analyzing the investment world, it is perhaps no surprise that Holmes decided to create a “portfolio” of winemakers to make his wines. He invited some of the region’s best-known winemakers, including Ehren Jordan, Greg LaFollette and Andy Erickson, to create wines. Lookout Ridge produces limited quantity Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinot Noir, and each wine is identified with the winemaker who made it. Ratings of the wines have typically been in the low- to mid-90s.

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.”