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CASE PRICE = $26.99 per bottle (add 12+ quantity to your basket)

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Notes From The Winemaker:

Carignane is like an heirloom tomato.  Shortly after the repeal of prohibition Carignane was the third most widely planted grape in California.  However, the past half century has seen Carignane fall out of favor with grape growers, and it has been replaced by more ‘marketable’ varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.    But, like an heirloom tomato, it has a unique character and once rediscovered wine lovers are returning to embrace its rich distinctive flavors.

In 2006 we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to produce wine from the seventy year old Carignane vines of the River Oaks Ranch.  Our first three vintages have been tremendously successful for us and we are delighted that Brant Davis, the grower, has decided to keep his ‘Old Vine’ Carignane vineyard in production.

The 2009 edition of the “R” Carignane is on its way to being our most decorated vintage.  It has already earned three double gold medals; The first at the California State Fair, and the second at San Francisco International Wine Competition where it also won Best of Class honors as it did at the El Dorado County Fair. 

The 2009 Carignane has a deep purple color with bright ruby hues.  Aromatically the wine offers up a big dollop of red and black raspberry fruit with a dusty briary edge.  The bouquet has taken a bit of a backseat to the succulent fruit but still provides a mild oaky nuance. On the pallet juicy black raspberry, plum and cassis fruit flavors flow into rich luscious wine where the tannins are mature and the finish is soft and elegant.

Varietal Composition:  100% Carignane         
13.4% Alc.      
Oak Regime:
21% American Oak
21% French Oak
58% Neutral Oak
Released: July 1, 2011                  
409 Cases Produced