Carina Cellars

Red Rhône Blends

In the Rhône winegrowing region in the south of France, there are twenty-two different grape varietals that can be used in offical Rhône wines. These include Viognier, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Petit Sirah, as well as some very rare varietals such as Picpoul Noir and Vaccarese!

Rhône wines are nearly always a blend of several of these grapes, so that, for example, the tannins of the Syrah work with the juicy red fruit aromas of the Grenache against the mid-palate background of Mourvedre. It is these blends that inspire these Carina Cellars wines.

Clairvoyant

Sibylline

7 Percent

Clairvoyant 2007 55% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 12% Mourvedre Although this wine takes its name from the French word Clairvoyance, meaning to "see clearly" into the future, one need not possess extra-sensory perception to enjoy this magnificent southern Rhone-style blend! Allow your senses to come alive as your eyes gaze at the rich burgundy color, and your nose is enticed with pomegranates, acai, jasmine, and coffee. Your palate awakens to medley of cranberries, dates and plums that finishes with a hint of black pepper. Just one glass of this decadent wine, and we guarantee you will "see" many more glasses in your future! 712 cases produced $28.00 per bottle ($22.40 for Iconoclast members)

Sibylline 2007 55% Mourvedre, 33% Grenache, 12% Syrah Named for the Sibyls, Greek prophetesses who channeled Apollo's ability to see into the future, this boisterous Rhone blend is not afraid to speak its mind. It announces its presence with aromas of fresh roses, gardenias, raspberries and a hint of clove, while its palate allures with pomegranates, dried cranberries, and tobacco. Finishing with a strong hint of dark cacao and cayenne pepper, the Sibylline will inevitably leave you yearning for more. Can you handle the truth? 210 cases produced $36.00 per bottle ($28.80 for Iconoclast members)

7 Percent 2007 7% Viognier, 93% Syrah Lucky number 7! Our 2007 vintage is sure to be one of our best years yet for our Northern Rhône blend of Colson Canyon Syrah with the winning combination of 7% Viognier. The Viognier offers a beautiful floral bouquet that mingles with the Syrah’s heavier scent of black cherries and pepper, as the robust palate oscillates between dried cranberries and lavender, blackberries and anise. For a winning combination, pair with a hot bowl of venison stew. Wine Spectator Awarded this wine 91 points! 600 cases produced. $36.00 per bottle ($28.80 for Iconoclast members)

7 Percent 2006 7% Viognier, 93% Syrah With Lady Luck perched on his shoulder, winemaker Joey Tensley hit the jackpot when he perfected this blend of seven percent Viognier and ninety-three percent Syrah. Now a Carina Cellars classic, this wine is sure to share its good fortune with all who drink it. Originally a ground-breaking style in the region of Cote Rotie, this blend is quickly becoming a household name. With soft floral aromas and a smooth palate of cranberries, toffee, and orange blossom, this wine will win over the Queen of Hearts with sweet nuances of citrus and pomegranate. Before long “you’re all in,” and the slightly smoky finish rounds out your hand. Is seven your lucky number? 500 cases produced. $36.00 per bottle ($28.80 for Iconoclast members)