Domenico Winery Aglianico, Amador County, 2012
Stood bottle up for 3 days before opening. Excellent clarity, garnet with rosy rim. Medium + legs. Aromas are dark fruit dominant: blueberry, black currant. Also noted, but had to work to discern, light toast, eucalyptus and/or menthol, hint of soy. Medium/full body, very smooth and polished texture. Medium finish, medium acidity. Impression: at or near prime. Primarily Aglianico, but the addition of Merlot seems reflected in the smoothness and blueberry. Drink now or in 2022. Glad we have one more bottle. A splurge for Thanksgiving.
Back story: a few years ago, the 2006 vintage was our WOTY. I remember serving it with a beef dish and the pairing was fabulous. So I contacted the winery and bought a half-case of various wines, with 2 of the Aglianico as first choices. All the others are long gone, but this varietal had the aging potential. First opened using Coravin, used Coravin for 3 days, then got simple. Removed cork, Vacuvin, save for Thanksgiving. And it was still very good. Finish and acidity almost the same as first 3 days.
I preferred to serve a domestic for Thanksgiving. This was a good pairing with slow cooker pork roast. The wine likes meat.
Cheers!