Wine Enthusiast
2007 Rating: 84

Carneros Bistro Sommelier Christopher Sawyer
"Hands down one of the best American interpretations of "Rosato," the classic style of dry pink wine made in Italy. This clean, crisp wine features flavors of fresh raspberry, strawberry, guava, honey and a refreshing burst of zing-y acidity. Yummm!"

Wine Enthusiast
Rating: 84
"You never quite know what California Sangiovese is going to give you. Here is a high-acid wine, very ripe in pie filling cherry and raspberry flavors, and a bit sweet and simple."

San Francisco Chronicle
The Chronicle Wine Selections: Domestic Sangiovese and Supertuscan-style blends
Lynne Char Bennett, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, March 7, 2008
Rating: TWO AND A HALF STARS 2005 Muscardini Cellars Merlo Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Sangiovese ($32) Winemaker Michael Muscardini has made a flashy, dense wine that focuses on dark plum, plump black cherry and vanillin. The oak influence - from spending 12 months in 35 percent new oak barrels, from both America and Hungary - provides soft but well-defined tannins.

2005 SYRAH

Renay Santero
Wine judge and wine buyer for Oliver’s Market
"Here’s a treat. Every once in a while a winery comes along that impresses me so much I get something of everything they produce. This is such a winery. They do a Super Tuscan blend called Tesoro, a Sangiovese, a Rose and this Syrah. All very small production. For example, they made 198 cases of this 2005 Syrah. Dark and richly done with a wonderful smoothness across the palate with a touch of spice and smokiness. The finish carries on and on. Dan Berger gave it an '‘Exceptional' rating. I agree. Treat yourself."

Wine Enthusiast
Rating: 87
"Unti is a well known vineyard in central Dry Creek that’s the source of well-regarded Syrah, and here, the winemaker justifies the fruit. The wine is dry, rich and complex in berry flavors, with interesting leather, soy, cocoa and cola layers, and an enormously spicy tang. It might age for five years, but is best soon for its vibrancy."

Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences
The Weekly Wine Commentary
Volume XXI, Issue 6 ~ March 22, 2007
Tasting Notes:
Exceptional ~
2005 Muscardini Syrah, Dry Creek Valley, Unti Vineyard ($36):
Distinctive cooler-climate aroma of pepper, violet and faint hints of clove and earth. A near-perfect example of a grape that all too often displays a lot of plum and prune. Will age handsomely.

Anthony Dias Blue
One of America’s top 10 wine writers
Rating: 91
"Rich and intense with lovely blackberry, toasty oak and notes of vanilla; explosive fruit, great length and a lively, balanced finish.

2005 TESORO

Los Angeles International Wine Competition 2007
Best in Class • Gold Medal
Limited Production Super Tuscan Blends

Wine Enthusiast
Rating: 89
"Rated top of the Blended Red Wines. A rewarding wine. A blend of Sangiovese, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, it offers a profusion of berry and cherry flavors wrapped in rich, ripe tannins. Probably best now and for a short while, to take advantage of the upfront fruit."

San Francisco Chronicle
IN OUR GLASSES
Friday, July 20th, 2007
"What sold us: Michael Muscardini got into wine from construction, and in 2000 began planting Sangiovese at his property in Sonoma's Valley of the Moon. His first commercial vintage was 2005, and out of the gate this Super Tuscan-style blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is a sign of a strong start. New oak is in ample supply, rounding out doses of big, hulking fruit. But a well-managed acidity toward the finish - hard to find these days - harmonizes it all and some dusty mineral notes from the Sangiovese add nuance."
- Jon Bonné

2007
San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
• Silver ~ 2005 Sangiovese
• Silver ~ 2005 Syrah
• Silver ~ 2005 Tesoro

2006
San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
• Silver ~ 2005 Sangiovese