The 2012 Illuminatus is perhaps our favorite sangiovese vintage so far from our estate vineyard. The 2012 growing season was almost ideal in most respects and the fruit was of particularly high quality. The early part  of the season was cool and dry. A heat wave just ahead of veraison stressed the vines, keeping the cluster sizes in check and concentrating the flavors and aromas. The grapes were harvested on November 2, 2012. After 20 days on the skins, the wine was pressed direct to barrel. Aged in 30% new French oak for 18 months. Racked and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Before release, the wine was allowed an additional year of bottle aging. This vintage is bold and textural, exhibiting mouthwatering cherry, plum and spice notes.