Category Archives: Carignan

Zinfandel, Three Valleys, Ridge Vineyards, Sonoma County, California, 2013, 14.4% abv., C$60

You know, I think we are all still feeling a little pandemic-bluesy.  In an effort to bring some significant happiness and good vibes to our home, I decided to open this bottle purchased at Ridge during a tasting stop in … Continue reading

Posted in Alicante Bouschet, California, Carignan, Petite Sirah, RED, Red, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bodegas Bula, DO Montsant, Spain, 14% abv, 2012, C$22

Montsant is a DO that literally occupies a circle of land surrounding the higher ranking DOQ of Priorat in northwest Spain, just west by a few hours of Barcelona. They’ve been growing grapes there since Roman times and the names … Continue reading

Posted in Carignan, Grenache / Garnacha, Mazuelo, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Le Clos des Grillons, Les Terres Blanches, Côtes du Rhône AC, France, 2012, 14.5% abv.

This wine is produced by vigneron Nicholas Renaud who came to winemaking from teaching in 2008.  He works from 18 ha of 70-80 year old vines, 80% of which he rents. The soil of the Les Terres Blanches vineyard is … Continue reading

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Porrera vi de Vila, Vall Llach, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 15.5% abv, 44.50 Euros

The drive from Falset to Porrera in southern Catalunya is not exactly for the faint of heart. We were told the tortuously narrow, winding roads are a huge improvement upon what used to be there.  At least they were paved – and it didn’t … Continue reading

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Chateau Musar, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 1996, 13% abv.

To say Lebanese wines are some of the oldest in the world isn’t a stretch – there are production records dating back to the 8th century BC. When Gaston Hochar decided to reinvigorate the fine wine industry and increase the quality … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Carignan, Cinsault, Lebanon, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Clos Monlleó, Sangenís i Vaqué, Porrera, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 1999, 15% abv

During our visit to Celler Sangenís i Vaqué in January 2015, Maria hosted solo but brought out all the stops for an exceptional tasting.  Of the ten poured, four were a vertical of the Clos Monlleó from 2013, 2011, 2005 and 1999. Monlleó is the surname … Continue reading

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Mas Doix, 1902 Centenary Carignan, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 14.% abv,

It’s hard not to notice – there seems to be a higher-than-average number of female winemakers in Priorat, Spain.  I mean, a four day tour of the region is hardly enough to prove anything statistically, but of the seven wineries we … Continue reading

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Riu, Trio Infernal, Combier, Fischer and Gerin, Torroja, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 14.5% abv, 2010, 16 Euros

We found this at the Vins i Olis del Priorat store the minute we arrived in Falset.  Nothing was open at 4pm except the town’s two exceptional wine stores. Llorenc and Marc Aguilo quickly ushered us to the tasting bar … Continue reading

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Genium Cellers, Costers vi de Guarda, Poboleda, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2005, 14.5% abv

One thing I have learned about winemakers and winery owners is that showing even a little interest in their work usually yields immensely positive results for anyone wanting to learn more.  Most are keen to share and you realize very quickly … Continue reading

Posted in Carignan, Grenache / Garnacha, Merlot, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Castelmaure, Corbieres AOP, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2012, 13.5% abv, US$9.99

Corbières is an Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) (or since 2012, Appellation d’origine protegee, AOP) for wine in France’s Languedoc-Roussillon region. Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, near Narbonne and close to the France-Spain border, it’s the region’s largest … Continue reading

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