Carignane 2018, Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard
Estate Grown
In Stock
The recent replanting of the estate vineyard on Bradford Mountain gave us the opportunity to expand our portfolio of Rhone varieties from this unique location. We have bottled Carignane over the yeras from other regions and vineyards and always enjoed the wines. The combination of intense mountain terroir and distinctive varietal character of Carignane in this wine creates a complex and evocative expression.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Carignane
Appellation
Dry Creek Valley
Vineyard Designation
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard
Harvest Date
10/12/2018
Sugar
23.25 (at harvest)
Acid
7.1 g/L
pH
3.39
Aging
24 months in 75% 4-6 year-old French oak barrels, 25% New American oak barrels
Bottling Date
11/19/2020
Residual Sugar
0
Alcohol %
14.1
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Heady aromatics of fresh-picked plum and dried
strawberry mingle with hints of brown baking
spices. A full-flavored entry showcases a lovely
mix of juicy berries — wild blackberry, fresh
strawberry and black raspberry — bathed in bright,
mouthwatering acidity. The solid structure of
mountain grown fruit, with just a hint of mineral
essence, appears near the finish as the flavors linger.
Vineyard Notes
Over the years, we have produced a number of
different incarnations of the beloved but often
neglected Carignane. My father, in the 1990’s,
bottled some from old blocks farmed by the
Mengali family, and starting in 2000, the Zero
Manipulation blend was born. More recently we
have been buying Old Vine Carignane from the
neighbors at Forchini, and made the decision
to plant a small amount in our Estate Bradford
Mountain Vineyard, to bottle in select years.
Planted in our mineral rich, nutrient deprived
mountain soil, the expression this earthy, naturally
high toned variety takes on is truly unique.
Winemaker Notes
This is
the rare vintage where the Carignane stood alone
well enough to bottle on its own. While delicious
in the near term, this should develop, soften, and
hold its fruit for up to a decade.
Food Pairing Notes
Perfect with barbecued chicken with a side of
pesto pasta, or braised short ribs served with garlic
mashed potatoes.