Buchignani Ranch Carignane

This is about as good as Carignane gets. I would happily put this up against a great Carignane-centric Priorat. Gorgeous nose has deep, pure, red berry fruit, wet river stones, and a zesty dusting of spice. Just beautiful balance in the mouth. Rich fruit with no jammy excess, subtle barrel scents, subtle stony notes. Great acids. And for Carignane, with is not known for its length, it has a surprisingly lengthy, juicy finish. Very impressive.

Bright pale ruby color. Strawberry, red plum, juicy red cherry, minerality, medium+ grainy tannins and med acidity. Native yeast fermentation with cold soak for 14 days (shorter eg 10 or 7 days towards the end) 80 year old head trained spur pruned vines in Alexander Valley next to Frick vineyard. Crush destem pump over twice a day. (Whole berry for petite Syrah for fruit and aroma to match body and Valdigue due to varietal characters). Eric left in 2021 to join Mirus in Napa owned by Foley, left people in shock here…