Carmel PS

[Michael J]

Hello,

I recall seeing in Rogov's tasting notes for the Regional Series PS that it was an "Old Vines" wine, like the Carignan. However the bottles I saw in a local wine store were lacking a reference to Old Vines (to contrast, the Carignan was in fact labeled as such). And thus my question: is there more than one PS release (old vine + regular), is the wine not in fact old vines, or is it old vines but not marketed as such?

Thanks

[Daniel Rogov]

Michael, Hi...

Following are my tasting notes for the recent releases of both the Petite Sirah and the Carignan wines in Carmel's Appellation (Regional) series. I believe both the Petite Sirah and the Carignan are made from grapes from quite old vines. If I do not mention that in every review it is only to avoid being repetitive. I'm sure someone from Carmel will read this thread and if I'm right or wrong will let me know. I shall post again if I hearfurther…..

Best
Rogov

Regional, Petite Sirah, Old Vines, Judean Hills, 2006: A big wine, full-bodied, deep garnet toward royal-purple, with gripping tannins just starting to settle down but showing fine balance between tannins, wood and fruits. Ripe plum, blackberry and boysenberry notes on a background of minerals, minted chocolate and spicy cedarwood. Drink now–2012. Score 90. K

Regional, Petite Sirah, Judean Hills, 2005: Developed in French oak for 12 months, made from grapes from 35-year-old vines, this almost impenetrably dark purple, still-firmly tannic wine opens in the glass to reveal a rich array of dark plum, blueberry, peppery, herbal and spicy cedar notes. Dense enough to be thought of as chewable but opens to show harmony and grace. Drink now–2012. Score 91. K

Regional, Carignan, Old Vines, Zichron Ya’akov, 2006: A super-dark garnet blend of 85% Carignan and 15% Petit Verdot, the Carignan from 35–40-year-old, very low-yield wines with no irrigation. A blockbuster on first attack, but the firm tannins and generous wood settling down nicely to reveal a rich array of plum, red cherry, raspberry and currant fruits all supported nicely by hints of cocoa and spices. Look as well for a generous mocha-rich finish. Drink now–2011. Score 90. K

Regional, Carignan, Old Vines, Zichron Ya’akov, 2005: Blended with 10% Petit Verdot and oak-aged for 12 months. Medium to full-bodied, with soft, caressing tannins and spicy wood in fine balance with blackberry, cherry and peppery chocolate aromas and flavors, those leading to a medium-long espresso-rich finish. Drink now–2011. Score 91. K

Regional, Carignan, Zichron Ya’akov, 2004: Made from old vine Carignan grapes (30–40 years old), blended with 10% of Petit Verdot and aged in French oak for 12 months. Still-firm tannins here but those showing signs of integrating nicely and already revealing raspberry, cherry and cassis fruits, highlighted by hints of dark chocolate and espresso coffee. Drink now–2010. Score 89. K

[Daniel Rogov]

Confirmation received from Carmel. Both the Petite Sirah and the Carignan grapes in the Regional series indeed come from old vines, as noted earlier, 35-40 years old.

Best
Rogov

[Michael J]

Thank you