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These wines are no longer on sale, but we present these notes for those people who did obtain some of previous releases and have managed to hold on to them.

2005 Vintage

2005 Viognier, Rancho Arroyo Grande
Beneath a darkening, seated at a patio table covered with yesterday’s Sun, relaxing on the shores of the Chesapeake with the first bushel ready to be served and a nutcracker in hand. The smells of serenity erupt with a glass in hand: banana and orange blossoms, white peaches, tangerine, jasmine, and lemon zest. A perfect compliment to the best the Atlantic has to offer with flavors of mandarin orange, papaya and apricot as well as the quintessential libation for an evening of fun with lychee, cantaloupe, and honeydew.

Reaching for a glass opaque with Old Bay fingerprints, the first night of a weeklong affair begins with a beach house, friends and a sailboat tied to the dock.

2005 Viognier, Stolpman Vineyard
It’s gorgeous out, and you won’t be going anywhere for quite some time. Not that you would want to, sitting as you are on a second story balcony overlooking the metropolis of Los Olivos. Embellished stories are shared, although few are true. Jokes, some funny but most not, are repeated for the umpteenth time. Laughter resonates so loudly and so often that people walking below wonder what they are missing.

And while we should be telling you about the uniqueness of this wine –aromas of citrus, mango, papaya and honeysuckle blossoms with flavors of peach, apricot, honeydew and lemon zest- it is moments like these that keep us sane and justify pouring one “last” glass of wine, putting off today’s responsibilities until tomorrow. Story based on actual events.

2005 Viognier, Central Coast
Somewhere in the single digit latitudes (does it really matter where?) a warm breeze brings the essences and aromas of a secluded paradise. The sweet, musty smell of tropical flowers, pineapples and mangos, pink grapefruit, pears and kiwi all saturate your senses, taking you further from the hustle and bustle of reality. The flavors of Eden are yours to savor – plantains, tangerines, lychee and guava- a cornucopia of indulgence, garnished with a little honeysuckle and lemongrass. This is what life is all about…no phone, no watch… no wine, blasted! … where did that bottle run off to?

2005 7 Percent
Your most carnal desires are exposed with one sip, and there is no turning back. Captured by charisma-cola, sage and raspberry- seduced by sensuous vices –cherry blossoms, violets and anise- and enamored with a kiss so decadent your head swirls –strawberries and coffee- forcing you to sanguinely succumb with intoxicated lust. Laying back, eyes closed, you release your inhibitions with another needed sip of sin that confuses your wont of blackberries, cocoa and cassis with a lust for pomegranate, cloves, cinnamon and blueberries. Not humbled by a previously undisclosed impulsive behavior, you embrace a newfound desire and indulge at every available moment.

2005 Grenache, Central Coast
The lingering hints of vanilla scented candles, scattered rose petals beneath a clothes strewn floor, and still-warm satin sheets infused with a cherry/strawberry perfume greet a morning that arrived all too quickly. Meandering through spice and spontaneity you head towards the kitchen where a cup of vanilla nut coffee welcomes you beside a bowl of blood oranges, plums, pink grapefruit and white peaches. The soft wisp of sheer fabric and delicate fingertips upon your shoulder are prelude to a smooth embrace conjuring memories of an unforgettable night that doesn't end with sunrise. With no need to carry forward, time stops, fortunate enough to witness events no one would describe.

2005 Petite Sirah, Thompson Vineyard
With an intensity that makes Louis Armstrong sound like a tenor, this Petite Sirah is like a crushed red velvet suit walking down the streets of New Orleans. Belting out the chorus to “Hello Dolly!” this wine brings a touch of brown sugar and sweet cigar smoke to a lingering hint of blackberry and cocoa on the palate. The lights dim and the dark opaque hue leads into a finish of white sage and indulgence, asking even the casual sipper to “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” One can’t deny this wine is timeless and full of soul so lay it down for those special moments in life when you’re feeling inspired and a bit frisky.

2005 Petite Sirah Central Coast
Coming in at approximately 4,000 planted acres in California, Petite Sirah (a.k.a Duriff) is almost as obscure as Mourvedre to the Californian wine market. This grape has a long and meandering history throughout France and the US and enjoys being a source of constant dispute regarding its pedigree and nobility. Without worrying too much about the academics Carina Cellars is proud to be producing top quality Petite Sirah and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. With opulence unlike other reds, this Petite Sirah offers mouth-watering flavors of boysenberry and blackberry with thick, smoky tannins begging for some barbequed tri-tip. This varietal is most-known for its ageing potential so don't hesitate to lay it down for 8-10 years. Your patience will be rewarded! 125 cases produced.

2005 Clairvoyant

Opened this out of my personal collection and loved every second of it! This was always a favorite and I was extremely happy that I opened it, even though it will still hold for another 3 years. Hopefully you have more than one at home. Jody December 2007

2004 Vintage

2004 Viognier Stolpman Vineyard
On the palate this wine exhibits citrus flavors highlighted by tropical tastes of guava and lychee. With a slight mineral touch on the finish this wine has a nice acidity to balance its full mouth feel. Always an excellent match with seafood, this Viognier will also pair well with paella, or can be enjoyed out on the veranda on those warm summer evenings. Our featured recipe of Salmon with Chili-Mango Salsa is paired with this aromatic wine.

2004 Viognier, Santa Barbara County
A floral aroma laced with essences of guava, citrus and light stone fruits encouraging you to savor it as quickly as you can pop the cork. Closing your eyes, the first sip sends you to a tropical oasis with flavors of apricot, white peach, and honeydew while a refreshingly soft minerality lingers towards the finish. Serve this wine on the patio with a bowl of fresh fruit, or try pairing with fresh sole and mango salsa. Best enjoyed over the next 2-4 years. 650 cases produced

2004 Clairvoyant
A classic Chateauneuf du Pape blend, this wine is composed of the three most noble Rhône varietals. On the nose, aromas of bright blackberries, raspberries and cherries jump from the glass while background notes of coffee, leather, and sweet herbs mask an underlying hint of dried strawberries. And while the palate is loaded with blueberry, blackberry, and boysenberry with a light, toasty oak flavor, the perceptive mind will also notice a sage, clove, and spicy cherry finish that leaves a lasting impression. The bright fruit of this wine makes it an excellent match with grilled quail beneath a raisin port sauce although the underlying tannins indicate this wine will peak between 2007 and 2009. 214 cases produced.

2004 Grenache, Tierra Alta Vineyard
Joyfully walking hand in hand, warm spring sun high in the sky, a midweek sojourn to escape the complexities of work and the responsibilities of life becomes a moment transcending the boundaries of time. Overt glances lead to a soft kiss, complementing a lovers’ stroll through a secluded meadow filled with aromas of cherry blossoms, anise, prickly blackberry bushes and silky petals of roses and violets. Distracted by her intoxicating perfume of sweet raspberries and cranberries, seduced by cinnamon lips, ensnared by a delicate taste of pomegranate, sage and nutmeg, you pull her into a tighter embrace- and a deeper kiss. Youthful inhibitions are ignored, passion becomes the flavor of the moment, and another taste is yours to enjoy. 137 cases produced

2004 Mourvedre, Camp 4 Vineyard
A rich garnet in color, this wine perfumes the nose with raspberries and strawberries while subtle herb, toast, and leather tones fortify the background. Primarily used as a blending grape, this wine shows a full mouth feel with bright cherries and blueberries with light hints of sage and oak. With firm tannins and solid fruit, Mourvedre is suitable for aging and should develop splendidly over the next 7 to 9 years, or as the quintessential food wine, pair itl with your favorite steak tonight.

2004 “7 Percent”
7% Viognier, Stolpman Vineyard
93% Syrah, Colson Canyon Vineyard
A seductive temptress behind a sequined silver mask, capturing your attention the moment her dark ruby color catches your wayward glance. Stealing your imagination with wisps of bright cherries and black currants, creating fantasies with silky hints of raspberries and peaches, and clouding your mind in anticipation of the next fleeting glimpse. Courage arises and a taste ensues - obvious nuances of strawberries, raspberries, and cassis- followed by a more intimate (and flirtatious) connection over black cherries, blueberries, and blackberries eventually leading into a night that quickly turns into morning. Tomorrow is a new day.

I opened this just because I love it, but realized I should have let it sit longer. Still has a lot of growing to do…can’t wait to try it again in a few years. I would say drink by 2012-2015. Don’t get me wrong it was still amazing, but if you’re ageing, let it sit.
Jody, December 2007

2004 Syrah, Westerly Vineyard
There is no subtlety here. Raw, exposed, full of an intense heat that simply overwhelms the senses, breaks down defenses, and conquers. Giacoma Casanova had nothing on this wine. A maestro in the glass, its presence seduces – violets, anise and cloves- its charisma intoxicates – blackberry, blueberry, smoke and white pepper- its balance and finesse become infused to your lust. With guilty anticipation you take your first sip, and are immediately lost into waves of selfish pleasure. Bright cheeks, a self produced smile, and you become the hunter relentlessly pursuing his prey. Who can resist – nuances of dark cherries, currants and cranberries - who can break away – cocoa, cinnamon, and cassis - who can secede? New loves, and broken dreams, desire and resent, lust and abstinence…Casanova was immortalized for his daring endeavors, what do you have to lose?

Always a crowd pleaser, this wine still has its big, bold fruity component. If you are waiting for it to mellow out definitely push it to the back of your cellar. If you want the big fruit enjoy a bottle tonight, but make sure you have some left for the future, you will want to watch this one evolve. Jody December 2007

2004 Syrah Camp 4 Vineyard
A secluded cabin deep in the woods sets the scene as you gaze into a warm fire daydreaming of events shared on a weekend escape. A relaxed sigh brings in the aromas of your surroundings - smoke from the fire, the dusty leather sofa, cocoa and cinnamon from a stolen interlude on the porch - and the perfume of blackberries and cherries announce the arrival of the one you love. A passionate embrace leads into a warm kiss and all bets are off as your head explodes into all the sensations of the evening –spice and pepper from a candlelit dinner, chocolate from an earlier indulgence, raspberries, blueberries, and currants from dessert. Succumbing to the mood of the evening you pour two more glasses of wine, stoke the fire, and return to the arms of the one you love. 214 cases produced.

2004 Syrah Clone 877
If Ponce de Leon had found the Fountain of Youth, this wine would be flowing from it. Dionysus had this in his chalice at any, and every, one of his raucous parties, and Marie Antionette used this to wash down her cake. The alluring perfume of chocolate covered black cherries, blackberries and dried strawberries indicate that if you pour this on a third date, you better have some Viognier and orange juice on hand to pour the next morning. And there is nothing like the taste of cherries, cranberries and cassis to accentuate a special anniversary with that unique lust and passion that has made these past years so memorable, and this night unforgettable. Spicy raspberries, cinnamon and clove bring up memories of a sensuous trip where you both came back without any tan lines. Decadence has no morals, no inhibitions and no boundaries - take the plunge. It’s never too soon to dive back in.
97 cases produced

2003 Vintage

2003 Iconoclast
One can almost see them with their deceptively demure demeanor, wine glass in hand reveling in the adoration of all around them -the embodiment of class- the confluence of desire and dissent. Amidst a lingering haze of cigar smoke sits the Opulent –cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and currants- and the Suave –clove, sage, white pepper, and anise. Situated across the palate stands the Jokester –raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, and currants- awash in the cheer of all, basking in the complexities of history. Serendipitous in its contrasting style, making even its harshest critics smitten with desire, lies Amore –violets, cocoa, black cherries and blackberries- endearing itself forever into the annals of your heart. But lying in wait, finishing this quintet of quintessence is the Charmer, whose arrogant charisma keeps bringing you back for more, stating this is no novelty, and will be around for years to come.

2003 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
Sometimes a great wine doesn’t have to come at great cost. Many times you have to pay through the roof to get a wine with lush aromas of blueberries, dried strawberries, cassis and cocoa with lingering hints of smoke and light oak. How often can you enjoy flavors of cranberries, currants and pomegranate and savor lasting impressions of boysenberries, blackberries and dark cherries without feeling guilty for opening that “special” bottle of wine? Indulge in a wine that leaves you with tastes of white pepper and anise, and revel in the knowledge that you are drinking a great wine at a great price. Cheers!

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine is Alexander the Great personified! Beneath inky purple cloak, riding high through the marketplace, basking in the awe of those beneath him. The cacophony of vendors is overshadowed by the aroma of their wares - vibrant cherries, rich black currants, anise, and spice - while the parade continues through the city streets where open gates allow subtle smells of violets, cocoa, and cloves to blow in from the countryside. Children scamper ahead stealing tastes of blackberries and blueberries to accompany the black cherries and cranberries they gorged themselves on earlier, continuing their grandiose battles with swords of cedar, using baskets of sweet herbs to playfully hide from each other. But everyone is focused on Alexander as he leaves behind the hanging bunches of dried sage and crates of fresh raspberries; his strong demeanor indicating he will be around for years to come.

A big boy, just like at its release. Hold on to this one for another 3-4 years at least
and wait for it to smooth out. Jody December 2007

2003 “7 Percent”
93% Syrah, Colson Canyon Vineyard; 7% Viognier, Rodney’s Vineyard
Ensnaring your affection with aromas of chocolate covered cherries, vanilla and currants, this wine softly seduces the palate as it passes your lips. A silky mouth feel and playful flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries endear themselves to the taste buds while hints of pomegranate, blueberry and toasted blackberry linger in the background. A subtle note of pepper and spice lead into a long finish and is best enjoyed tonight with the one you love, although it will continue to develop wonderfully over the next 5 to 7 years. Pair this wine with pork medallions in a red wine reduction sauce, or with grilled portabella mushrooms. 50 cases produced.

We drank a bottle on 2/8/06 and it tasted amazing! Great fruit, awesome texture...a fabulous wine. It can still be laid down for another 3-4 years, although if you have a couple, we would recommend opening a bottle to check it out. CT & Jody

2003 Syrah Harrison Vineyard
As it flows from the bottle this wine exhibits a nose full of blackberry and spice with hints of pepper and oak lingering in the background. As it passes the lips flavors of cherry, blackberry, and blueberry caress your taste buds and massage your palate. And while its softness flirts with your mouth, it bites lightly with capsicum, cassis, tobacco, and a hint of smoke. With a silky finish that leaves you in anticipation of the next sip, this wine can be enjoyed tonight, but will age gracefully over the next 6 to 8 years. Try this wine with a duck roast with a cranberry chutney, or pair with your favorite pasta.

Still very tannic, if you do open a bottle soon I would definitely decant it for a few hours. Would go great with a dark, bold steak. - CT, October 2006

2003 Syrah Thompson Vineyard
Inky purple in color, this wine has an amazing nose filled with ripe blueberry, black pepper and spice, with hints of oak and coffee lazing in the background. On the palate flavors of blackberry, white pepper, and raspberry envelope your taste buds before slowly transcending into a velvety mouthfeel full of cassis, currants, and black cherry. The finish exudes smoke and spice with hints of strawberry and blueberry while its solid tannin structure shows this wine can be enjoyed over the next 5 to 7 years; although it will pair nicely tonight with St. Louis style BBQ ribs.

2003 Syrah Tierra Alta Vineyard
A rich garnet in color, this wine entices the senses the moment it first splashes into your glass. With a subtle charm it envelops the nose with a full bouquet of cherry and raspberry while graceful notes of white pepper, anise, and smoke complement its upfront oak tones. A playful yet silky mouth feel captivates the heart while flavors of cherry, blackberry, raspberry, and currants enamor the soul. Spicy hints of pepper, cloves, and coffee show this wine can stand up to whatever foods you enjoy, while its smooth and classy finish make it perfect company for a warm fire on a chilly night. Cozy up to a glass tonight, but this wine is well worth waiting for over the next 5 to 8 years.

Our most popular wine from the 2003 vintage, this wine lives up to everyone’s expectations and more. If you have a few bottles open one now so you can taste how it has matured, but leave the rest to enjoy over the next few years. It will keep improving!
Jody December 2007

Showing nice fruit structure and less of the oaky tones it exhibited about a year ago. I am glad I have another half case of this because it will age nicely for at least another 3-4 years. I will probably open another one for Thanksgiving or Christmas of 2006. For anyone who has a magnum you will definitely want to wait at least another 2 years before you open it. Jody, September 2006

2003 Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard
Situated in the rolling hills outside of Los Alamos, this vineyard produces grapes rich in color and complex in flavor. On the nose vibrant tones of blackberry, dark cherry and blueberry are complimented with cola and a subtle hint of anise. Seducing the palate with exhilarating cherry, currant and dark berry notes, this wine also shows layers of espresso and leather leading into a long finish. Alive and kicking tannins show this wine will age well over the next 6 to 8 years. This wine will pair best with rich foods including lamb and venison but will also pair well with eggplant lasagna.

I opened up a bottle of this about two months ago and was pleasantly surprised. I don't remember it being so rich and dark in the tasting room, but it has become one of the deepest inky purple wines I have ever seen. This wine is a marvel in the glass!
I have quite a few in my collection and will be laying down the rest
for at least another 5 years, if not longer. Jody, Summer 2005

2003 Syrah, Westerly Vineyard
Looking at this wine in the glass with its rich, dark hue you know it is going to be something to remember. With an explosive nose loaded with blueberry, currants, spice and pepper this wine enthralls the senses before even crossing your lips. Once it does, however, the party in your mouth begins as this complex wine continually entertains your tastebuds. Cherry, blackberry, and blueberry break out first, but are quickly followed by white pepper and spice. Currants and capsicum finish off the sensation as this wine leaves you with a long, spicy finish. Enjoy this wine tonight with a lamb stew or hold it (if you can) until 2008.

Tasting mighty fine, our 2003 vintage is reaching its fifth year, which is the sweet spot for Central Coast Syrah. Usually ageing these wines 5-7 years is a safe bet and anything after that you should be opening a bottle every 6 months to test its fruit structure.
I say this wine can age well for another 2-3 years, but drink now if you have been dying to open it, you will be satiated. Jody, December 2007

2003 Viognier SBC
Harvested in the cool early morning, this wine exhibits lush tropical fruit and delicate spring flowers on the nose while vanilla lingers in the background. After 50% malo-lactic fermentation, 75% of the wine went into neutral oak barrels to enhance mouth feel. The remaining 25% stayed in stainless steel to retain freshness. The end result is a rich wine with tropical essences of guava, citrus, banana and a splash of vanilla nut on the finish. Enjoy tonight with a spicy Thai salad or hold up to 3 years!

2003 Viognier Stolpman Vineyard
Becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to Chardonnay, this wine has trademark aromas of pears, honeysuckle, and lemon zest with floral undertones. On the palate this wine exhibits citrus flavors highlighted by tropical tastes of guava and lychee. With a slight mineral touch on the finish this wine has a nice acidity to balance its full mouth feel. Always an excellent match with seafood, this Viognier will also pair well with paella, or can be enjoyed out on the veranda on those warm summer evenings.

Rich in both fruit and in texture, this wine is great at room temperature or just slightly chilled. I don't normally like "older" vintage whites, but this one is tasting great right now. We are pouring it at our winemaker's dinner on 2/24/06, and we expect it to start off the evening on a fabulous note. Jody

2002 Vintage

2002 Iconoclast
So good, and even bigger than we remember! This wine has shown new mettle with a few years of aging and it is tasting great. Less of the chocolatey flavors and more big, fruit flavors have come through. I am glad I have a 3L and a magnum of this, both of which I will hold on to for quite a while longer. - Jody, October 2006

2002 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
Deep ruby in color, this wine shows spicy cherry and pepper on the nose with earthy tones of smoke in the background. On the palate this wine first hits you with jammy flavors of blackberries, blueberries, and dark stone fruits. The strong earth tones of this wine lead into nuances of white pepper, coffee, and smoke leading into a vibrant finish. With a playful mouth feel and soft tannins, enjoy this wine now or hold until 2008. Try this wine with Porcini and Portabello Penne or Roasted Eggplant Parmesan. 1198 cases produced.

2002 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard
Due to its interesting terroir, Colson Canyon has become one of the premier Rhone vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Situated in the Santa Maria Hills high above the morning fog, these grapes bask in the sun and revel in the warm nights. The wine stands firm with flavors of leather, tobacco, and coffee but shows its softer side with intense black cherry and raspberry and will endear your heart forever with a dark chocolate finish. If you can resist opening this wine now, it will mature beautifully over the next 10 years.

2002 Syrah Thompson Vineyard
Coming from a meticulously farmed vineyard, this Syrah is deep purple in color with amazing mouth texture. Jumping with classic Syrah characteristics such as blackberry, espresso, and lightly smoked meats this wine also shows its own personality with alluring hints of violet and anise. With its firm tannins and long finish this wine will mature beautifully over the next six to eight years. A tantalizing match with roast pork in a mole sauce, this wine also pairs well with St. Louis style barbequed ribs.

Tasting good, but can hold for another few years. Its peak is still to come!
Jody December 2007

2002 Viognier SBC

I had a bottle of this at a friend’s birthday in June 2005 (he had it, not me!) and it tasted pretty good!. It was starting to get a bit thin on fruit and should be drunk soon. –CT

2002 “7 Percent”
93% Colson Canyon Syrah, 7% Sanford & Benedict Viognier
Produced in the classic Côte Rôtie style, this wine perfumes the nose with alluring hints of violets, ripe cherries, and boysenberries. With a color reminiscent of a lover’s lips, this wine seduces you with flavors of currants and dark berries with touches of strawberry jam and vanilla. Showing its friskier side, this wine brings out leather and tobacco as it softly bites you with its firm, yet supple, tannins. With a finish that will leave you breathless, this wine is best enjoyed with the one you love, when wine is the last thing on your mind.

2001 Vintage

2001 Iconoclast

Reaching its lifeline, this wine is ready to drink. Decant for one hour, but then get it in the glass. It’s soft and luxurious aspects with please the pallet. Jody, December 2007

Still needs a lot of time. I opened a bottle in the tasting room to check it out, and it took 2 days to open up! A huge wine, though, needs a lot of time to decant. Any bottles you have of this, stick in the back of the cellar for another 3 years, at least! CT Summer 2005

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Coming from a vineyard just outside St. Helena, the grapes for this wine come right from the heart of Napa Valley’s Cabernet growing region. Originating on the Left Bank of the Bordeaux Valley, Cab has established itself as the “king” of red wines. This is also the only wine Carina Cellars produces that is not a Rhône varietal.

Dark garnet in color, this wine jumps from the glass with aromas of black cherry, blackberries, and currants. Once past your lips this wine brings with it layers of cassis and cocoa with dark fruit nuances that play with your taste buds. With a long finish, this full-bodied wine shows its already soft tannins and leaves you with memories of jammy cherries and cranberries.

We had this open in the tasting room for our December “Pick-Up Party” weekend. I hadn’t tasted it since 2004, so I was definitely curious. If you have a bottle open one for Christmas because this wine is rockin.’ I would say it can hold for another year or so, but it is definitely close to peaking. The pallet is soft and velvety, with great fruit still and perfectly aged structure. Jody December 2007

2001 Syrah SBC
With grapes harvested from cool climates (to retain fruit and acidity) as well as warm climates (for darker flavors and a playful mouth feel) this wine exemplifies the diversity in Santa Barbara’s wine region which allows Rhone varietals to flourish. Deep crimson in color, ripe roasted blackberries and currants burst from the glass adding a touch of black pepper on the way. On the palate, undertones of caramel, bacon, and chocolate compliment the velvety texture and lead into a long finish. A great companion with conversation, this wine also pairs well with eggplant parmesan or a Porcini and Portobello mushroom penne.

I had a bottle of this in May 2005 and found that a lot of the earthy characteristics had settled down leaving the wine with a lot of fruit. It was a lot better than expected, and could still hold for a few more years - Jody

2001 Syrah Thompson Vineyard

A surprise wine in our library (we didn't even knew we had it!), this is tasting great. It has a lot of dark fruit - blackberries and blueberries - and that anise flavor that is unique to Thompson fruit. I don't know when I will ever get another bottle of this, there are only 4 cases in our library, but I wish I had some to hold onto. - CT, Summer 2005