Muscardini Cellars "Tesoro" 20th Anniversary Italian Red Blend 2021
Muscardini Cellars "Tesoro" 20th Anniversary Italian Red Blend 2021
Napa Valley, California, United States
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Tasting Notes
The 2021 Tesoro skips the heavy, jammy fruit-bomb style of typical California blends in favor of a more savory, European-inspired elegance. On the nose, it opens with a brooding mix of ripe blackberry, dark plum, and cassis, layered with savory notes of dried thyme, Chinese five-spice, and a hint of lavender. As the wine breathes, sophisticated touches of toasted oak, clove, and a faint whisper of smoke emerge.
The palate leans beautifully toward the savory spectrum, mimicking a succulent smoked meat glazed in a rich, dark cherry sauce. As the wine opens up, complex flavors of espresso and mocha develop on the mid-palate, framed by dried herbs. Structurally, this blend is all about balance. The Sangiovese brings a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that lifts the dark fruit, the Cabernet Sauvignon delivers firm tannins and a solid architecture, and the Syrah wraps it all together with a velvety, luxurious weight. It wraps up with an incredibly long, smooth finish that leaves a lingering trail of sweet oak, refined smoke, and mocha.
The 2021 Tesoro is an absolute dream for hearty, rustic culinary pairings. Its distinct savory profile, bright acidity, and firm structure call for rich dishes like slow-braised short ribs, a classic New York strip with a dark cherry reduction, or wild boar ragù over fresh pasta. For an Italian-inspired pairing, it sings alongside fluffy spinach meatballs simmered in a rich, herb-infused marinara sauce. -
Story
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sonoma Wine Country, Muscardini Cellars beckons wine enthusiasts to experience the essence of California winemaking. Founded by Michael Muscardini, whose passion for the art of winemaking traces back to his Italian heritage, this boutique winery stands as a testament to the fusion of old-world tradition and new-world innovation. Inspired by his ancestors' winemaking legacy, Michael crafts wines that reflect his personal ethos: to be enjoyed with food, friends, and the joy of living. From the sun-drenched vineyards to the intimate tasting room housed in a historic red schoolhouse along Highway 12, every aspect of the Muscardini Cellars experience is imbued with a sense of warmth, hospitality, and authenticity. Step through the door and into a world where the magic of winemaking comes to life. Here, visitors are invited to savor Muscardini's portfolio of wines, each a reflection of the winemaker's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality. From barrel tastings to intimate events featuring live music and food pairings, every visit to Muscardini Cellars is an opportunity to connect with the winemaking process and the stories behind each bottle. Whether you're exploring the artistry of Muscardini's Italian varietals or indulging in a reserve tasting in the intimate Library Room, every sip is an invitation to share in the passion and vision of Michael Muscardini. So come, raise a glass, and join us on a journey of discovery and delight at Muscardini Cellars.
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Somm Notes
A Super Tuscan is a high-quality Italian red wine from Tuscany that blends traditional grapes like Sangiovese with non-native varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah. These wines emerged in the 1970s when winemakers rejected strict Italian wine regulations to create innovative, bold, and complex wines. Originally classified as basic "table wines," they are now labeled under the more flexible IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) category.
Super Tuscans are known for their rich flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, leather, and spices, often enhanced by oak aging. Iconic examples include Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Ornellaia, which showcase the balance of traditional Tuscan elegance with modern winemaking creativity.
To honor his family heritage of drinking fine red wines in Italy, Michael Muscardini uses the revered Italian varietal Sangiovese as the core grape in his proprietary red blend, Tesoro (“Treasure” in Italian), a take on the Italian “Super Tuscan”. To add a personalized touch and a California twist to the finished wine: the other half of the blend is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, two noble red grape varieties from France, which perform extremely well in the rocky soils and warm climate conditions in Sonoma Valley. First released in 2005, TESORO was named “a treasure” by Michael Muscardini's mother and is reminiscent of a traditional Super Tuscan. This 2021 vintage commemorates 20 years of exploring Sangiovese and the journey of what a Super Tuscan can be. It expresses opulence with fruit predominantly from Napa Valley, expanding our list of vineyards to build this blend in the style that befits Italian winemaking. -
Region
The Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for its ideal climate and diverse terroir. Stretching approximately 30 miles from north to south, Napa Valley benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool evenings, influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The valley is home to a variety of microclimates and soil types, from volcanic hillsides to alluvial plains, allowing for a wide range of grape varieties to thrive. This diversity in terroir, paired with consistent sunlight and temperature regulation, produces wines that are rich, balanced, and complex, from bold Cabernet Sauvignons to elegant Pinot Noirs and aromatic whites. Napa Valley's AVA includes over 16 sub-appellations, each with its own unique characteristics, but the region as a whole is celebrated for its ability to produce wines of exceptional quality and consistency.