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Carneros Collection
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Toast with These Favorites
Toast with these favorites: 2008 Carneros Chardonnay, 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir, 2006 Carneros Merlot, & 2007 Carneros Syrah.
2008 Carneros Chardonnay
From record spring frosts to searing autumn heat, these mismatched bookends sandwiched a rather lovely season in between. The summer played out beautifully, tempering the wines and bringing a somewhat light crop to full fruition. This Estate Bottled Chardonnay is a bright and shimmering reflection of our Carneros terroir. Kiwi, nectarine, clove and lime zest on the nose give way to rich and supple flavors of peach, apricot, vanilla and allspice. With just a kiss of smoky oak and grilled toast to round out the palate this nicely balanced wine combines silky texture with just enough acidity to keep everything singing along in a high register.
2008 Carneros Pinot Noir
An unusually cool spring gave way to a gorgeous Summer in ’08, with an even, temperate growing season. Crop size was quite small and when the heat finally did arrive, it got things jumping in the winery in a hurry as we rushed to pick the Pinot Noir before dehydratyion could set in. Once in the fermentation vats the pure fruit and lush flavors quickly began to reveal themselves. A classic Carneros Pinot, the 2008 is brimming with fresh berry and strawberry fruit, while the general coolness of the season is revealed in the intriguing lime and orange zest notes lurking in the background. Texturally the wine is quite focused with fine, firm acidity giving away to supple tannins and sappy fruit. This wine should drink beautifully over the next 3 to 8 years.
2006 Carneros Merlot
Easily one of my favorite bottlings of Merlot from the Carneros Estate, this 100% Merlot fulfills all the promise of a cool site Merlot. Taking a cue from Bordeaux, where Merlot is grown in the sloping clay soils of Pomerol and St. Emilion in cool, maritime conditions, this Merlot captures the bright fruit and long finish of a classically structured Merlot. Ripe cherry, raspberry and plum fruit mingle with notes of lavender, anise and camphor. Sweet, supple tannins coat the mouth and lead into a long, bright jammy finish.
2007 Carneros Syrah
Carneros continues to establish itself as one of the premier, boutique growing regions for Syrah. A variety that loves some discipline, this normally extravagant vine meets its match in the shallow, restrictive soils of our Carneros Estate. These extremely poor (in a good way) soils limit the vine and bring in a small and beautifully restrained crop, chock-a-block with flavor. Red and black fruits (strawberry and plum) combine with truffle, spice, pepper and licorice to create a heady potpourri. Full bodied with firm tannins and jammy fruit this cool climate Syrah is built to last.