2019 Carmenere

Description

2019 Carmenere 

Varietal: Carmenere

Vineyard: Frogtown

Region: Adelaida District, Paso Robles, CA

One of the more obscure Bordeaux varieties, with significant plantings in Chile. It is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon for its earthy, capsicum notes and it’s named Carmenere due to the vines’ leaves turning fiery red at the end of the season. It’s not the easiest, most reliable variety to grow, which may be one of the reasons it is not easy to find anymore in its homeland; Bordeaux. Indeed after a few growing seasons, our parcel of Carmenere at Frogtown Adelaida has been torn out and replanted with more reliable varieties. The wines Carmenere produces tend to be relatively dark and full bodied and our Carmenere fits the description. Dark brick red and full bodied, it is soft, rich and with integrated tannins. Very classically a Paso Robles rendition of Bordeaux. Aged in nearly neutral French oak to allow the true character of this obscure variety to shine. 

Last Date Tasted: December, 2022

Color: brick red

Nose: Bordelaise earth and funk, high toned raspberry and plum fruit, sweet pastry French oak notes

Mouth: smooth, full bodied, soft tannins, classic scorched earth, plum, saddle leather on the finish

Decant for: An hour of decanting will allow this wine to open up nicely.

Pair with: lamb, rich root vegetable cuisine, hard cheese

Drinkability: Drink now through 2029