Ripken Vineyards, Lodi (California) Carmine 2013

I can now count the number of Carmine wines that I’ve tasted on one finger.  It’s an interesting hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carignane that was created as a Cab alternative for cooler growing regions.  It never took much of a foothold, and Lodi isn’t generally thought of as a cool climate, but the wine remains intriguing, presenting mostly Carignane aromas and flavors, with a full body and fleshy texture.  It’s capsicum dominant, featuring the whole gamut of bell pepper colors as flavors and a white pepper and plum finish.  There’s always something new to experience in the wild and wooly world of wine!