A Staff Recommendation: Classy Napa Cabernet, which will appeal to the purists.

Peter Nolan from the Customer Relations team shares his enthusiasm for DI CO 2019

Di Costanzo Winery is rooted in tradition with a uniquely modern concept. The brainchild of Massimo and Erin Di Costanzo, a husband-and-wife duo devoted to producing wines with elegance, structure, and class from their holdings in Napa Valley.

Raised in an Italian household in Berkley, food and wine have always played an integral role in Massimo’s life. He started out studying business and economics at UC Davis, but eventually majored in winemaking… After graduating he decided to travel the world to hone his skills, working in Argentina, Italy and South Africa to name but a few. Once settled back in the Napa, Massimo landed a role as assistant winemaker at Screaming Eagle, helping to re-design the vineyard layout and produce the lauded 2006 and 2007 vintages.

In 2008 Massimo decided it was time to launch his own venture. After two years of meticulous planning, preparation and research, he released the first vintage of the eponymously named, Di Costanzo. Initial releases focussed solely on the Farella Vineyard, capturing the nuances and complexity of this site. In 2016, Massimo broadened his portfolio acquiring the Rafael Vineyard in the western hills of Oak Knoll. Here we have the birth of DI CO, a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon with a bold, clear structure, a beautiful balance, produced with the same care and passion as Di Costanzo.

Our focus today is DI CO’s 2019 vintage, one for fans of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and those who need a bit of convincing! A commanding nose of gravel, graphite and small dark wild berries demonstrates the structural power of this wine. A seriousness pervades the flavours of unsweetened chocolate, blackberry, mountain herb and black plum. This can be held for at least five years to fulfil its potential, but for all its natural power, the pliant tannins and sleek mouthfeel point to the inherent quality of Oak Knoll’s Raphael vineyard, the exclusive source of fruit for this cuvee. A classy wine which will appeal to even the purists who are strictly bound to the Medoc, for now!

“This has a pretty nose of baked blueberries, ripe blackberries, tobacco, toasted bread, praline and chocolate. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Structured, yet wonderfully fresh and balanced.” – James Suckling 93 Points