At Tamás Estates, they’ve brought a little bit of Italy to the San Francisco Bay Area. While many Cali-Itali producers opt for a more fruit forward style, Tamás wines are fashioned to retain the heartier, more robust character of the grapes’ native land. It’s a testament to the quality and character of Italian grape varieties being grown in the Livermore Valley.

Tamás Estates 2009 Sangiovese

Grape(s): Sangiovese

Region: Livermore Valley

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromas of plums and cherries mingle with suggestions of leather, spice, and cedar on the nose. A sip unfurls flavors of dark red berries with accents of earth, oak, and spice. A lively Cali-Sangiovese, that’s more reminiscent of its Italian counterparts than most from the state, give it a try if you like light, hearty reds.

Rating: 88

Tamás Estates 2010 Toscanelli Riserva

Grape(s): Sangiovese 46%, Barbera 46%, Petite Sirah 4%, Petit Verdot 4%

Region: Livermore Valley

Price: 20-25

Review:

A bouquet of raspberries, cherries, leather, and very dark chocolate rises up from a glass. The palate unfurls with flavors of slightly tart red berries that flow into suggestions of earth, barrel spice, and game. A bright red wine with a food-friendly acidity, fans a fairly dry, slightly earthy style will enjoy this bottle very much. 225 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Tamás Estates 2009 Nebbiolo

Grape(s): Nebbiolo 75%, Petite Sirah 25%

Region: Livermore Valley

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromatics of blackberries and cherries meld with suggestions of chocolate, rose petals, and burnt toffee on the nose. Flavors of plum, blackberry, and cherry are accented by notes of violets, anise, and dark chocolate emerge on the palate. A plush, nicely structured wine with a slight floral character, fans of layered, rich dark fruit will enjoy this wine very much.

Rating: 90

 

Tamás Estates 2009 Riserva Barbera

Grape(s): Barbera 88%, Petite Sirah 12%

Region: Livermore Valley

Price: N/A

Review:

Aromas of bramble fruit and cherries meld with suggestions of leather, cedar, and spicy oak. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry and cherry with accents of earth, cedar, and spice. A lively wine, with a food friendly acidity, fans of reds that have some pizzazz will enjoy this bottle. 190 cases produced.

Rating: 90