By Lopez de Heredia standards, this is a short-lived wine—meaning that at close to ten years of age, it may not have more than a few interesting years in front of it. A rather reasonable longevity for any wine, but when compared to the feisty and still bright 1991 Gran
Light, translucent ruby in color. Strawberries dominate on the nose. Strawberries and rhubarb are on the palate, tart, clean, and brightly acidic. Fennel pops on the mid-palate. Tannins are light and very fine. This is a bright food wine, one to provide counter-balance to rich cheeses and light meats. Drink
White flowers, apple, and pear show on the nose. Good Clean mineral and steel make a tight background for tart apple and lemon. Apple comes out as the wine warms. Acids are very bright. This is very clean, but not tremendously complex or long-lasting. Drink with simple broiled flounder. Recommended
Clear, medium intensity ruby with purple. Aromas of violet, bell pepper, dark fruits, and cedar. Dry on the palate with medium-high acidity, medium-full body, and light tannin. Flavors of cooked blackberry, hickory, molasses, and smoke. Pair with a hearty dish like chili. Recommended. RR WHO: Carmen WHAT: Carmenère WHERE: Apalta,
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Combining the pleasantly mineral and grippy character of Carignane with rounder notes from five other grape varieties, this inexpensive offering from Bonny Doon is rather easy-going, despite the contrarian attitude implied in the name (which also refers to Contra Costa County, where most of the grapes come from). That contradictory
Clear, medium intensity ruby with purple. Aromas of violet, bell pepper, dark fruits, and cedar. Dry on the palate with medium-high acidity, medium-full body, and light tannin. Flavors of cooked blackberry, hickory, molasses, and smoke. Pair with a hearty dish like chili. Recommended. RR WHO: Carmen WHAT: Carmenère WHERE: Apalta,
This wine has an interesting blend of black and red fruits, with a touch of vanilla, on the nose. There isn't a hint of the dreaded Pinotage "burnt rubber" in this wine. It gets really interesting on the palate, throwing out layers of different flavors, one after another. It starts