Vitica, South Coast (California) Carménère 2022

  I wasn’t aware that this grape variety was hanging around here in my neck of the woods.  Best known today as one of Chile’s main red varieties, this example is a solid argument for planting more Carménère in southern California.  From winemaker Euan Parker’s new venture, it’s got the green tinge you’d expect from the type, but there’s plenty of vibrant black fruit to put that element in its place.  It is quite long, with a velvety grip that carries the fruit into the distance.  It took thirty months in French oak to come around, but it’s certainly time well invested.  I would lean toward pot roast or Stilton for pairing with this — maybe pot roast with a little Stilton melted on top.