michael godel: 2020 arioso

Arioso the solo performer, of sangiovese grown in the southern Okanagan Valley. Varietal oratorio, or opera if you prefer, aromatically recitative before expanding into something of an aria because there is no separating this wine from La Stella’s larger body of work. Works that include signature merlot and blends that with additions of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. A terrific year for the Grosso variety of sangiovese and so the ode and nod is to Brunello (though also Chianti Classico), especially those vineyards planted for wines raised under the watchful eyes of oenologist Giulio Gambelli. The 2020 by La Stella expresses a richness but also a high-toned level of excitement indicative of red fruit transparency, smart acidity and that feeling often created by grandi botti. Then again this is warm Okanagan, the tannins show some roughness and the vintage was high caste for ripeness. The finish shows off a little bit of devilish swarthy character and so this will mature, unwind and morph through several stages in what should be a hopeful and complex tenure. Drink 2024-2030.