I was exposed to Sanguis wines for the first time at the MacArthur’s Barrel Tasting two years ago, and I remember being impressed by what they were pouring. IIRC it was only a couple/few Chardonnays, and maybe after so many big reds at the tasting I was a sucker for a crisp white. Anyway, I eventually signed up for their mailing list thinking I might like to have a crack at some of their wines. Well it did not take long and just today I have received my first offer.
Hoping to find some TN’s or other information that might help with the decisions, I started checking the usual online references. Surprisingly, very little to go on. CT of course has some TN’s on many of their other wines, but none on the current 2012/13 release wines. So just wondering - has anyone tasted these and if so, what did you think?
Crickets. Not a huge surprise as I haven’t seen discussion of them in a few years. Unfortunate, as the proprietors seem like really nice people. The last wines I had from them were the Optimist and Bossman. I followed those wines over several years and they never unwound. Maybe their new wines are more approachable.
Launching a new brand on wines that take years to unwind seems a risky strategy, unless you’ve got capital to let them age 5+ years before your first release.
Must have searched the forum yesterday using a “q” instead of a “g” which is why I found almost no threads. This morning I see there are six pages worth. Interestingly enough, nearly all of them are focused on their Syrah blends. Very little devoted to their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay programs, which is what I am mostly interested in learning about. Anyway, I now see that MacArthur’s carries a nice range of their wines and will likely just buy and try from retail.
In case anyone is curious, I did email them to see if they knew what they are going to be pouring at the upcoming MacArthur’s Barrel Tasting and they said it would be wines from their upcoming Fall release. I also asked what would happen to my mailing list status if I passed on this (my first ever) offer. Jamie very pleasantly explained that I would not get dropped, but that I would also not receive a guaranteed allocation and would have to wait to see what was left after all the allocations were sold. Just thought I would share the info for anyone who may also be considering their options.
Craig - thanks for starting the thread. I also just made the list this week and celebrated by opening the 2009 Levity (purchased via WineBid at $50). I bought most of what was allocated to me with the exception of 1/1 and the mags and I wishlisted additional Bossman. I, like you, enjoy the style and am looking forward to a long relationship with them.
My brief notes on the Levity: decanted five hours and drank over the course of two hours. Very dark color and a perfumed nose of berries and cherry. The wine is very lively and fresh and the Syrah and Grenache were battling for dominance with pepper, berries and spices all balanced well with the oak. I think it’s a great showing, and in a good window for this well-balanced, powerful (despite the 15.5% alcohol) GSV Blend.
Craig - just went back in and checked, I misread it (not that it matters at this point) - I was not offered the 1/1. The order form is a little confusing the way they have it laid out. At this point - based on the investment amount, I am dipping my toe in with the full intention of diving into the Sanguis pool eventually…
I was wondering about the style of the whites. Especially the Rhone blends. The Rose looked interesting as well, but I’m always hesitant to pay that price for a rose.
I have only been purchasing from Sanguis since last year. I definitely like their product, especially the whites. Had the opportunity to meet them at Publican Quality Meats dinner in Chicago (November.) Really great people. The only wine with any age that I have had from Sanguis has is the 2007 Las Mujeres. It has been very popular at our house with guests.
So, the 2016 offering went live today, and as I predicted a year ago, I am trying to get from the shallow end to the deeper part of the pool. I was surprised (and its only my second year on the mailing list) that I wasn’t offered anymore than my initial offer last year even though I wish-listed much more (and received/was granted).
I’ve been buying from them for several years now and have loved everything they’ve released. The wines are generally big and bold and very interesting with aging potential, but they don’t last too long because I can’t wait to try them.
I was at their tasting today and I love what they are doing. I’ve been a buyer for a long time now and have tried many of their wines older and can attest that they hold up wonderfully. Sanguis is still a very small producer but IMO one of the best ones in SB/Central Coast. In my mind the only real comparison is with SQN. Stylistically different but similar in quality.
They have somewhat fallen off the radar for many. They do not pour at many festivals and therefore most folks do not have a chance to try their wines. I know a woman who used to be their assistant winemaker and therefore would try their wines often, but not for the past 3 years or so. Back then, the wines were definitely bigger and bolder, and they were not shy about their use of new oak. Not sure what has changed if anything since then. And their pricing was ‘aggressive’ compared to many others in our area.
I got together with a few friends about a month ago along with the wine maker and his wife for lunch and a tasting through some older Sanguis vintages. I was extremely surprised at how well they were holding up especially the whites we had.
I’ve enjoyed the handful of Sanguis reds that I’ve tried but agree they are priced a little aggressively at retail (better at auction). Similar’ish’ to SQN, but maybe lacking the layers I typically find in SQN wines (que hater comments here).
And I might be off on this…but I thought I was told at some point that the owner/winemaker used to be assistant winemaker at SQN back in the day??
I asked that question last time I was at the winery and was told just that they are very good friends. I believed they used to work together at La Brea.
Great to see this thread revived. I like what they do but would love to here other input. Have some Loner PN that I was surprise existed… any comments would be appreciated!
