An under-sung variety that plays a role in some of the great California filed blends get the spotlight on its own here, and it will have you wondering why there aren’t more solo iterations out there. Used oak barrels are modest enough in their impact to let the raspberry and cherry fruit take center stage, and accent notes of pepper and leaf add depth and interest. Try this where you want more pizzazz than a Pinot Noir.
92 Rich Cook
Peterson Winery, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Bradford Mountain Vineyard Carignane 2019 ($36)
By Rich Cook
