Anthony Nappa Ripasso Merlot 2014 (750ml/12)
About Anthony Nappa
Anthony Nappa studied botany at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and completed a degree in ‘Fruit and Vegetable Agriculture’ from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Anthony went to New Zealand to receive his formal training in winemaking from Lincoln University in Christchurch where he received degrees in Viticulture and Oenology. Anthony has extensive experience particularly in cool climate farming and winemaking. He has worked as a winemaker in New Zealand, Southern Italy, ...
Available Markets: New York, New JerseyTasting Notes
Fermented wild and without additives,named Ripasso this wine was re-passed over the leftover pomace of our Petit Verdot and Malbec grape skins for a 6 month period of extended maceration; expressing a dark hue and a rich full body, with notes of plum and olives, earthy, with hints of tobacco leaf, coffee bean and a long finish.
Reviews
Wine Advocate
"The 2014 Ripasso Merlot is "repassed over Petit Verdot and Malbec skins." Bone dry and unoaked, it comes in at 13.9% alcohol. As you might guess from the description, this is a little unusual. This technique is said to produce a bit more complexity and tannin. Some tannic pop is there, but this is not too fierce and everything is in good balance in this wine's youth, even if it is a little drying on opening. Its caressing texture is more interesting still. The flavors are dark, laced with some plum and herbs. Merely medium in body, it still manages to seem a bit bigger than it is at times. It is understated and a great food wine, but it is always persistent. Its fine intensity of controlled flavor is always there. Overall, this is a nice success, another Italian-styled entry from Anthony Nappa. It will be interesting to see how this ages. It might do better than I think. At the other end of the scale, it could use a year to calm down, but it will be good to go in short order." - Mark Squires, April 2016Wine Enthusiast
"A deep, stony minerality persists from nose to finish on this light-footed Riesling. Sweetened by hints of guava and stone fruit, it's a shade off dry but endlessly refreshing. The finish lingers on a gorgeously chalky, saline note" - Anna Lee C. Iljima, July 20165