92-POINTS, GOLD MEDAL!
2021 CRITICS CHALLENGE WINE COMPETITION
A layered Carignan that maintains its fun factor with razzleberry and spice. A Gold Award winner at the 2021 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.
92-POINTS Jul 6, 2021
Fresh and vibrant despite having 32-months in barrel, this gorgeous Carignan has pretty, Pinot-like fruit characteristics but with Old World, Italia-style structure.
Bold and juicy yet complex and elegant, it hails from 80- to 90-year-old, head-trained Carignan vines from Piffero and Bartolomei vineyards on the rocky eastern benches of Redwood Valley in Mendocino County. The producer is one of the stalwarts of the region and knows the Mendocino county dirt better than anyone. The wine retails just south of $30/bottle out of the tasting room and is an absolute steal at $15/bottle.
Terrific and, I will bet, surprising quality. In fact, I think this might be the perfect wine to spring on guests - will make you as cool as hell.
Get yourself a nice big bowl to enjoy the beautiful aromas. Medium purple in the glass. Powdered lavender and rose petal spring from the glass, underpinned with warm brown sugar notes from the extended barrel time. Wild berry bramble, walnut husk, and graham cracker round out the glorious bouquet. Beautifully balanced on entry with a soft, medium-body delivering raspberry, anise and sage spice against a firm yet well-integrated structure. Juicy and chewy across the mid-palate with a long, pristine finish. The purity of fruit here is truly compelling.
98% Carignan, 2% Merlot, 100% Mendocino County
Sourced from Piffero and Bartholomei vineyards 80-90-year-old, head-trained vines
14% alc.
250 cases available
Bottled November 13th, 2020
