One of the more decadent, robust versions of this variety I have seen, not remembering one this big since Amy Butler’s beast a couple years ago. Dark, perfect even-toned ruby in the glass. Rhubarb pie, chocolate syrup, blackstrap and oak create a nose fully deserving of the “Reserve” stamp. Everything about it fairly screams LUXURY, something not often seen with lowly Carignan.
Equally rich in the mouth, the deieenap cherry and blackberry preserves roll like velvet over the tongue–a full ration of toasty oak visible–but don’t get too comfortable. Just about the time you can’t imagine this wine getting any bigger, it smacks you with a sexy WALL of structure: one equal parts abrasive green briar, fine-tuned tannin, and old-world funk. A gorgeous wine, one quite deserving of the gold label.
2017 CIRCLE B Cariñena Reserve Paso Robles 14.7
Stephen McConnell 