2015 “Private Reserve” Nebbiolo - Vinos L.A. Cetto

Morello cherry, fallen rose petal, tart blackberry. Mission fig, ground tarragon, sour red plum. Gorgeous layers of intriguing and ethereal fruit led by dried strawberry, goji berry, and mixed currants dance with expressive and high-toned intensity as notes of soy, hoisin sauce, and mushroom provide captivating reflections of umami-drenched depth. Hints of manzanita, forest floor, and fall foliage emerge to advance charming earthy and natural complexities while red carnations and bougainvillea gently reveal subtle floral yet wild underpinnings. Suggestions of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander enhance aromatics with expansive and beguiling spices that intertwine with dried herbal tones of oregano, anise, tea leaf, and sage. Notes of tar, aged leather, and sandalwood round out the attack with pretty tertiary development but not before impressions of dry loam and dusty soil expose pleasant bits of earthiness. Highly aromatic and outgoing on the nose with silky concentration and good palate weight; exhibiting a wonderfully classic yet modern style that comes across as simultaneously rugged yet nicely polished. Medium plus in body with powerful yet approachable tannin supported by elevated acidity. This 2015 "Private Reserve" Nebbiolo by Vinos L.A. Cetto is a wonderfully unique and intriguing red from Mexico's Vallee de Guadalupe.

Located south of San Diego in coastal Baja California, the Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico's premier winegrowing appellation and has been steadily increasing in quality and notoriety for the last few decades. This bottling, crafted by Vinos L.A. Cetto using Nebbiolo sourced from 40+ year old vines in the Valle de Guadalupe, wonderfully captures the unique terroir of this intriguing up-and-coming region. This wine presents solid Nebbiolo typicity via a range of aromatic red and black fruits showcased alongside dried herbs, lifted florals, and wonderfully dusty earthiness. Although certainly a bit more rugged and robust than its Italian counterparts this still possesses nice weightlessness and lift, and is absolutely worth seeking out for its uniquely delicious complexity. Well done.