At Sbragia Family Vineyards, Ed Sbragia carries on a legacy started by his father, Gino, and someday he knows his children will take the reins to continue the family’s tradition with wine.  Such a personal element to the work means the vines and the wines bare a very special meaning for Ed as they are a way of honoring his family’s heritage. Not long ago, our panel sampled a few of the winery’s current releases. Here’s what we thought:

 

Sbragia 2009 Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.8% Cabernet Franc

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 50-55

Review:

Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and cassis meld with hints of mocha and cinnamon on the nose. Flavors of currant, blackberry, and cherry are accented by suggestions of earth, sweet spice, and coffee on the palate.  A rich, well-structured red, fans of concentrated, mouth-filling Cabs will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90

 

Sbragia 2009 Wall Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc

Region: Napa Valley

Price: 85-90

Review:

A bouquet of black cherry cola, plum, boysenberry, and mocha rises up from a glass.  The palate offers flavors of cherry, blackberry, and currants along with notes of dark chocolate, cedar, and minerals.  A layered, supple red, fans of softer tannins and red fruit will enjoy this wine.

Rating: 90

Sbragia 2009 Gamble Ranch Chardonay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Napa Valley

Price: 35-40

Review:

Aromatics of Asian pear and red apple mingle with notes of toasty vanilla and walnut on the nose. Apple, pear, and banana flavors emerge on the palate along with nutty and creamy oak suggestions. A lush white that’s rich and easy to sip, fans of smooth, round Chardonnays ought to try this bottle.

Rating: 91