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Library Wines
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.
2006 Vintage
2006 Viognier, Stolpman Vineyard
Like a sun-kissed blonde running down the beach, this wine conjures
up thoughts of summer flings and sweet honey finishes. With a nose
full of apricots, peaches and pears there is no denying that this
is a true Rhône-style Viognier. A smooth, rounded mouthfeel
is followed by a long butterscotch finish reminiscent of the Stolpman
Vineyard. The limestone soil and sloping terrain add a touch of
minerality to the delicious fruit bowl bounding out of the bottle.
Enjoy this wine with a spicy Thai dish or freshly-caught sole.
2006 Clairvoyant
Yummy! Delicious! Outstanding! Just a few of the enthusiastic words
we’ve heard to describe this blend over the years, and we
couldn’t agree more. A favorite among the staff, there is
something so satisfying about a wine that offers an intoxicating
nose, a smooth palate, and a long smoky finish without any harsh
edges or overly tart aspects. Based on the Chateuaneuf du Pape region
of the southern Rhône Valley this blend is known for its
perfect harmony of acidity and tannins offering a mouthful of berry
flavors
while also providing the toasty middle palate associated with the
wonderful varietal Mourvedre. In the end, this wine is just lovely
and perfect for an afternoon picnic in the rose garden with a bowl
full of cherries to indulge.
2006 Sibylline
Immediately identified by a resolute fearlessness and fortitude
to speak its mind, the Sibylline is a Rhône blend
not to be questioned. Named after the Greek prophetesses known as
the Sibyls, who professed the future to all passerbys, the Sibylline
lures its audience in with a vibrant bouquet of cassis, blackberries
and jasmine. Unable to resist these alluring aromas, you become
engaged in a decadent palate of bright fruits and vanilla that culminates
in a smoky cranberry and white pepper finish. This wine will leave
you wanting more, and will tempt your palate long after the last
sip is gone. Can you handle the truth?
2006 Syrah, Morehouse Vineyard
See the girl with the red dress on/She can do the Birdland
all night long. Ray Charles’ “lady in red” is
not one to compare with this voluptuous Syrah. Her scent precedes
her with a bouquet of ripe red raspberries, cassis and a lingering
hint of cinnamon and earth. Then you see her, and that initial
sight (err sip) reveals first a smokiness that opens up into a
palate of black cherries and cranberries, then lingers with a spicy
mix of cocoa and clove. An unparalleled wine such as this will
continue to age well into 2013, and is best enjoyed after allowing
to decant. Pair with braised short ribs and celery-root pancakes…and
a healthy dose of the birdland.
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!
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
2005 Mourvedre, Central Coast
With a nose that will transport you to the shores
of the Rhone River, this Mourvedre is the epitome of the toasty,
gamey wine that is slowly making a name for itself in the new world.
Native to Spain, Mourvedre is also known as Monastrell or Mataro
and flourishes in warm, arid climates with maritime breezes like
that of southern France and the Central Coast. There are about 500
acres planted in California and that number grows every year as
consumers discover the smooth delights of this wonderful varietal.
A bouquet of clove and thyme leads into a soft palate of cranberries
and cherries, finishing with hints of white pepper and cocoa. The
roasted, smoky aspect of this wine makes it the perfect complement
to Syrah/Grenache blends like the "Clairvoyant," but its
rich flavor allows it to stand alone as well. Pair this wine with
barbequed meats and grilled veggies for a great summertime party.
2005 Great Oaks Vineyard
Sleigh rides in winter, fresh cherries with sugar, long walks by
rivers, candles at dinner...these are a few of my favorite things...pomegranate
juice over vanilla ice cream, hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows,
roaring wood fires and fanciful dreams...these are a few of my favorite
things...Carina Cellars Great Oaks Syrah...this is my favorite thing!
Great Oaks Vineyard sits among the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez
Valley amidst the warm days and cool nights that give Syrah its
balance and finesse. Enjoy this wine with only your best of friends
because we didn’t make much; and like all good friends, it
will get better with age.
2005 Syrah, Morehouse Vineyard
Softly building, never backing down, the symphony evolves - cranberry,
cherry and blackberry - the strings take the stage - cigar, pepper,
and earth - the crowd braces for the explosive finish. Beethoven's
5th in a bottle. Morehouse Vineyard is one of the few vineyards
on the central coast to plant the Durrell clone of Syrah. This clone
is known for its softer side revealing an elegance and charisma
all its own. One sip reveals its unique character while being surprisingly
familiar to the palate. Full of berries and balanced between tannins
and acidity, this well crafted wine is the perfect accompaniment
to roasted pheasant with a side of garlic couscous and grilled asparagus.
2005 Syrah, Westerly Vineyard
Instantly fresh and tart, like a homemade berry pie on a summer
day, this wine is reminiscent of warm breezes and intoxicating aromas.
With an essence of pomegranate that will stain your hands and a
mouthfeel bursting with cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries
there are plenty of bright fruits to please the senses. A touch
of nutmeg on the nose balances the crisp acidity that is characteristic
of Westerly Vineyard while a soft structure complements the subtle
tannins. Pair with seared duck breast and a classic spring salad
for a winning combination of sweet and savory.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Robert Craig
Vineyard, Napa Valley
Opulent and intoxicating, this wineis a wealth of flavor and structure.
Located in the Howell Mountain region of Napa Valley, this vineyard
enjoys cool breezes and plenty of sunshine, and its high elevation
leaves it in a class all its own. The fruit it produces is rich
with elegant tannins and robust character, resulting in a wine with
a nose full of blackberries, currants, and mocha, followed by a
spicy touch of mint and anise. Finally, a wave of cran-raspberry
and dark plum washes over the palate, leaving every sip as mouth-watering
as the last.
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.
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.
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.
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”
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, Tierra Alta Vineyard
With elegance that only angels possess, gliding into
the room amidst a potpourri of cherries, blueberries, and pomegranate,
she captures your imagination with lavender perfume and obliterates
your inhibitions with nuances of nutmeg, sage, and toffee. In a
move of selfish spontaneity, you embrace desire and delve into a
kiss loaded with all the flavors of passion –strawberries,
pomegranate, cassis and cherries. A Sirens song of coffee and cola
expose diabolic intentions saturating your soul with lust. An evening
of black ties and red dresses becomes a night of stolen moments
and necessary sin, compressing the wonders of eternity into one
moment.
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.
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.
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”
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.
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, Summer 2005
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.
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 Summer 2006
2002 “7 Percent”
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.
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 December 2007
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
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