About a year ago, I went to a wine tasting at Total Wine in Naples, FL, on a Friday night. It was a bit slow that evening, which gave me the chance to roam around and try some of the wines available for tasting. There were three bottles open on the bar: one white and two reds. I always start with whites and finish with reds.
The white wine was Amici, a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, and it was love at first sip! On my palate, Amici had a creamy texture with vivid tropical fruit flavors, poached pears, and baking spices, all culminating in a slight burnt oak finish.
The Amici Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a quintessential coastal Chardonnay. It features vibrant aromas of lemon peel and juicy, ripe peach, complemented by subtle notes of crushed rock and a hint of sea spray. On the palate, you’ll find flavors of key lime pie and roasted hazelnut, balanced by crisp acidity and warm, toasty oak.
The Story
Amici was founded in 1990 by a group of friends—referred to as “amici”—who aimed to create small-production wines from Napa Valley that they enjoyed. Their wines became so successful that the group quickly expanded their vision to produce wines they could share with the public.
With more than 25 years of experience, Amici Cellars embodies a blend of tradition and innovation. The proprietors—John Harris, Bob Shepard, and Celia Shepard—are dedicated to preserving the winery’s legacy while crafting exceptional wines. They attribute their success to the time-honored belief that “nothing replaces hard work,” along with their intuition and ability to capitalize on significant opportunities at the right moments.
From the outset, they have been committed to building relationships and connecting with customers in the wine industry. They recognized the needs of the market and, through a blend of business savvy and personal connections with growers, winemakers, sommeliers, and wine merchants, have achieved consistent growth year after year. They have maintained a steadfast focus on their vision without wavering.
The winery has assembled a talented team, including seasoned winemaker Tony Biagi, a Napa Valley veteran with over 25 years of experience, and Jesse Fox, a rising star known for his energetic approach and true-to-varietal wines. Together, they leverage decades of relationships with exceptional growers and their own craftsmanship to create a true reflection of each vineyard site, capturing the unique qualities of the soil, climate, and the people who tend to it.