Winery Tasting Notes: “This Tuscan varietal has certainly found a new, wonderful home in Paso Robles. This medium-bodied wine features a bright, fruity nose with hints of spice which definitely follow through to the finish. This versatile wine is easy to pair with nearly anything because its acidity is lively enough too stand-up to some rather acidic food choices such as tomato-based sauces. Drink Now.”

Blend: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol Level: 14.9%

Cases Produced: NA

Winemaker Name: Chris Rougeot

Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Smoked Pork (pulled pork), cured meats (salami, prosciutto, bacon), stinky cheeses, (blue, stilton, Roquefort)

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Opolo Vineyards has been a favorite of Carpe Vino since our inception back in 2002!  We have carried several different varities, but most recently it has been their Mountain Terraces Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.  Grown and produced in Paso Robles, they’re not only one of the premier wineries based on quality but also for the $$$.  Currently, their most expensive wine is $32 called “Concerto” a Bordeaux-style blend.  We chose the Sangiovese because it is a perfect red wine during the summer months and will pair perfectly with the above mentioned foods.

Reasons why I like this Sangiovese are countless but lets just start with the fruit.  There is tremendous dark black cherry/blueberry component that is complimented with a tremendous spiciness that elevates the overall quality of the wine.  Yes, the alc at 14.9% is a little hot at first, BUT…it mellows out with some breathing time (10-15mins or so) and I find that heat/spice to be absolutely fantastic for cutting through bbq sauce on your pulled pork sandwich!  An absolute must.  Bravo Opolo…wonderful wine!

Winery Tasting Notes:   “Tenuta Frescobaldi 2012 is purplish with ruby-red highlights.  The intense and persistent nose opens with notes of blueberry and cherry. Fl oral notes of rose follow, and spicy scents of black pepper, chocolate and jus de viande.  The tannin texture is very dense; generous body.  The finish is dominated by very, but not overly, ripe fruit and sustained by a vivacious vein of acidity.”  James Suckling awarded this wine 90 points.

Blend:  50% cabernet sauvignon; 30% merlot; 10% cabernet franc; 10% sangiovese

Alcohol Level: 13%

Cases Produced:  Not published

Winemaker:  Lamberto Frescobaldi  (Click here to view a video of Mr. Frescobaldi describing the 2009 vintage of this wine. . .very illuminating.) 

Maturity:   This is a young wine–in Italian terms, meant to be drunk now, but based on its heritage and historic vineyard, it will no doubt be wonderful through at least 2021.

Pairings:  Here’s what the winery recommends: “Ideal with game such as hare and boar, with roasted or sautéed beef, roast of pork, as well as with full-flavored cheeses.”  Just in case you didn’t pick up any hare or boar at the butcher shop this week, this wine will pair nicely with roasted chicken, a nice veal chop or thick-cut port chop.  Pillows of pasta plumped with cheese would be a willing partner as well.

Staff Review:  I was excited to take home a bottle of this wine because I’ll be headed to Italy to explore Tuscany this fall with a group of Carpe Vino travelers.  We’ll be spending 10 days shuttling between winery estates, restaurants and a litany of cultural treasures.  While we’re still finalizing details of the agenda, I’m really hoping we can make it to Frescobaldi, a winemaking family that has been in continuous operation for some 700 years, consuming 30+ generations of labor and love.

Frescobaldi is composed of six distinct vineyards, with a combined area that makes it the largest vineyard operator in Tuscany.  Each estate is unique and would make a great place to visit. . .to many opportunities, too little time.

I found this wine to be eminently approachable. . .I love blends, and this one offers a subtle approach to fruit with tannins the winemaker describes as thick and polished.  Indeed.  I’ll be having it again soon, but it would be amazing to enjoy a glass where it was born.

Winery Tasting Notes: “This Tuscan varietal has certainly found a new, wonderful home in Paso Robles. This medium-bodied wine features a bright, fruity nose with hints of spice which definitely follow through to the finish. This versatile wine is easy to pair with nearly anything because its acidity is lively enough too stand-up to some rather acidic food choices such as tomato-based sauces. Drink Now.”

Blend: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol Level: 14.9%

Cases Produced: NA

Winemaker Name: Chris Rougeot

Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Smoked Pork (pulled pork), cured meats (salami, prosciutto, bacon), stinky cheeses, (blue, stilton, Roquefort)

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Opolo Vineyards has been a favorite of Carpe Vino since our inception back in 2002!  We have carried several different varities, but most recently it has been their Mountain Terraces Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.  Grown and produced in Paso Robles, they’re not only one of the premier wineries based on quality but also for the $$$.  Currently, their most expensive wine is $32 called “Concerto” a Bordeaux-style blend.  We chose the Sangiovese because it is a perfect red wine during the summer months and will pair perfectly with the above mentioned foods.

Reasons why I like this Sangiovese are countless but lets just start with the fruit.  There is tremendous dark black cherry/blueberry component that is complimented with a tremendous spiciness that elevates the overall quality of the wine.  Yes, the alc at 14.9% is a little hot at first, BUT…it mellows out with some breathing time (10-15mins or so) and I find that heat/spice to be absolutely fantastic for cutting through bbq sauce on your pulled pork sandwich!  An absolute must.  Bravo Opolo…wonderful wine!

Winery Tasting Notes: “Beautiful dark ruby in color, this wine showcases lovely spice notes on the nose. On the palate, this elegant, classic Bordeaux style blend demonstrates hints of spice and nutmeg that comingle with white pepper flavors in delicate harmony. The finish is long, smooth with very fine tannins, ending with a lingering freshness of fruit. This wine is to be enjoyed in the next 5-10 years.

Wine Advocate Review (94 pts): “The 2010 Cenyth is composed of 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol is 13.4% and the fruit was sourced from the same vineyards. Very Bordeaux-like (no doubt due to the lower alcohol profile), it offers up notes of red and black currants, cedarwood, spice box, vanillin, licorice, underbrush and unsmoked cigar tobacco. The wine reveals fine-grained tannins and beautiful density and richness. Compared to the 2009, which is a Medoc-like blend, the 2010 is more of a right bank St.-Emilion-styled wine.”  –Robert M. Parker

Blend: 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol Level: 13.5%

Cases Produced: 

Winemaker Name: Hélène Seillan

Maturity: Drink Now – 2026

Pairings:  Strong cheeses, charcuterie, smoked or grilled meats.

Staff Review:  RICHARD HAMILTON – What a score! 94 points from Robert Parker! I have to concur with Mr. Parker, this is a fine wine indeed. Cenyth is a collaboration between Hélène Seillan and Julia Jackson and is intended to be a creative outlet for the two artists while highlighting their love of Sonoma County. The winemaking is handled by the extremely talented Hélène Seillan, daughter of famous winemaker Pierre Seillan, and on the other side of the winery Julia Jackson crafts the works of art used for the labels and handles all aspects of marketing and branding. I am so excited that we were able to pick this wine up for our Members! You are going to love the fine tannins and perfect balance between fruit notes and the lovely earthy, savory character. Absolutely beautifully made wine!

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Wines from the Soberanes Vineyard tend to have a very focused aromatic profile, and the 2014 Lucia Chardonnay, Soberanes Vineyard follows suit. The wine starts with a greenish-gold color and possesses energetic aromatics that seem to leap from the glass. Vibrant citrus and floral notes weave around a subtle core of crushed stones and Anjou pear. The rocky soil of the Soberanes Vineyard gives this wine minerality and texture unique to this stony site. Select vines from the 2014 vintage were fermented à Foudre (in a large oval oak cask), which adds depth and focus. The palate unfolds into a seemingly endless plateau of texture that expands into a beautiful and crisp finish. Enjoy now or cellar for 10 years or more.”

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol Level: 14.1%

Cases Produced: 185

Winemaker Name: Jeff Pisoni

Maturity: Drink Now – 2026

Pairings:  Chicken, Lobster/Shellfish, Soft Cheeses, Mushroom Risotto

Staff Review:  JANA KOSMATA – The Pisoni’s clan is hands down one of Carpe Vino Staffs favorite wine making family, whether it is Pinot Noir, Syrah or the Chardonnay we have selected for this month’s wine club, they never disappoint!  Only 185 cases produced, so you are the big winner this month to be getting this coveted bottle of juice in your club!  The 2014 Chardonnay is easy to love right from the popping of the cork to the last drop and is great with any light summer faire you might be preparing or just enjoy by itself out by the pool or lake.

Winemakers Notes: “This wine is for the consumer who wants a true-to-the-varietal Pinot Gris!”

“This wine has everything we wanted in a Pinot Gris. The nose has light talc powder with floral notes. The mouthfeel is soft and has good balance. Flavors of bright honeysuckle and light wood create good length on the finish.”

Wine Advocate: N/A

Wine Spectator: N/A

Blend: 100% Pinot Gris

Alcohol Level: 13.5%

Cases Produced: 253

Winemaker Name: Darcy Pendergrass

Maturity: Drink Now – 2018

Pairings: Great with white fish like halibut, sole, and cod.  Also great with mussels, clams, and oysters.  Or, semi-soft cow’s milk and sheep’s milk cheeses.   

Staff Review: Jay Johnstone – On a recent trip with family, my fiancée explored a wonderful winery called Keeler Estate.  After the red carpet treatment, she left with almost a case of wine and said to me, “You’ve got to try these wines!”  So, being the ever vigilant wine sleuth, I contacted Keeler Estate, and within a couple of days, CV had a gamut of samples to get through.  However, we could only select one for Wine Club, and the 2013 Keeler Estate Pinot Gris was an incredible find!  With absolutely no presence in California, CV Wine Club members now get exclusive access to this hidden gem of a wine.   Keeler Estate is located in Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Willamette Valley in Oregon.  Keeler specializes in just pinot gris, chardonnay, and pinot noir, and are all very limited in production.  This is a perfect wine for the hot days and months ahead.  Crisp, clean, and refreshing, this pinot gris is delightful!

Don’t miss the 2014 Keeler Estate “Reserve” Pinot Noir in stock now too!

Winery Tasting Notes: “This Tuscan varietal has certainly found a new, wonderful home in Paso Robles. This medium-bodied wine features a bright, fruity nose with hints of spice which definitely follow through to the finish. This versatile wine is easy to pair with nearly anything because its acidity is lively enough too stand-up to some rather acidic food choices such as tomato-based sauces. Drink Now.”

Blend: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol Level: 14.9%

Cases Produced: NA

Winemaker Name: Chris Rougeot

Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Smoked Pork (pulled pork), cured meats (salami, prosciutto, bacon), stinky cheeses, (blue, stilton, Roquefort)

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Opolo Vineyards has been a favorite of Carpe Vino since our inception back in 2002!  We have carried several different varities, but most recently it has been their Mountain Terraces Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.  Grown and produced in Paso Robles, they’re not only one of the premier wineries based on quality but also for the $$$.  Currently, their most expensive wine is $32 called “Concerto” a Bordeaux-style blend.  We chose the Sangiovese because it is a perfect red wine during the summer months and will pair perfectly with the above mentioned foods.

Reasons why I like this Sangiovese are countless but lets just start with the fruit.  There is tremendous dark black cherry/blueberry component that is complimented with a tremendous spiciness that elevates the overall quality of the wine.  Yes, the alc at 14.9% is a little hot at first, BUT…it mellows out with some breathing time (10-15mins or so) and I find that heat/spice to be absolutely fantastic for cutting through bbq sauce on your pulled pork sandwich!  An absolute must.  Bravo Opolo…wonderful wine!

Winemakers Notes: “This wine is for the consumer who wants a true-to-the-varietal Pinot Gris!”

“This wine has everything we wanted in a Pinot Gris. The nose has light talc powder with floral notes. The mouthfeel is soft and has good balance. Flavors of bright honeysuckle and light wood create good length on the finish.”

Wine Advocate: N/A

Wine Spectator: N/A

Blend: 100% Pinot Gris

Alcohol Level: 13.5%

Cases Produced: 253

Winemaker Name: Darcy Pendergrass

Maturity: Drink Now – 2018

Pairings: Great with white fish like halibut, sole, and cod.  Also great with mussels, clams, and oysters.  Or, semi-soft cow’s milk and sheep’s milk cheeses.   

Staff Review: Jay Johnstone – On a recent trip with family, my fiancée explored a wonderful winery called Keeler Estate.  After the red carpet treatment, she left with almost a case of wine and said to me, “You’ve got to try these wines!”  So, being the ever vigilant wine sleuth, I contacted Keeler Estate, and within a couple of days, CV had a gamut of samples to get through.  However, we could only select one for Wine Club, and the 2013 Keeler Estate Pinot Gris was an incredible find!  With absolutely no presence in California, CV Wine Club members now get exclusive access to this hidden gem of a wine.   Keeler Estate is located in Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Willamette Valley in Oregon.  Keeler specializes in just pinot gris, chardonnay, and pinot noir, and are all very limited in production.  This is a perfect wine for the hot days and months ahead.  Crisp, clean, and refreshing, this pinot gris is delightful!

Don’t miss the 2014 Keeler Estate “Reserve” Pinot Noir in stock now too!

Winery Tasting Notes: “Beautiful dark ruby in color, this wine showcases lovely spice notes on the nose. On the palate, this elegant, classic Bordeaux style blend demonstrates hints of spice and nutmeg that comingle with white pepper flavors in delicate harmony. The finish is long, smooth with very fine tannins, ending with a lingering freshness of fruit. This wine is to be enjoyed in the next 5-10 years.

Wine Advocate Review (94 pts): “The 2010 Cenyth is composed of 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol is 13.4% and the fruit was sourced from the same vineyards. Very Bordeaux-like (no doubt due to the lower alcohol profile), it offers up notes of red and black currants, cedarwood, spice box, vanillin, licorice, underbrush and unsmoked cigar tobacco. The wine reveals fine-grained tannins and beautiful density and richness. Compared to the 2009, which is a Medoc-like blend, the 2010 is more of a right bank St.-Emilion-styled wine.”  –Robert M. Parker

Blend: 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol Level: 13.5%

Cases Produced: 

Winemaker Name: Hélène Seillan

Maturity: Drink Now – 2026

Pairings:  Strong cheeses, charcuterie, smoked or grilled meats.

Staff Review:  RICHARD HAMILTON – What a score! 94 points from Robert Parker! I have to concur with Mr. Parker, this is a fine wine indeed. Cenyth is a collaboration between Hélène Seillan and Julia Jackson and is intended to be a creative outlet for the two artists while highlighting their love of Sonoma County. The winemaking is handled by the extremely talented Hélène Seillan, daughter of famous winemaker Pierre Seillan, and on the other side of the winery Julia Jackson crafts the works of art used for the labels and handles all aspects of marketing and branding. I am so excited that we were able to pick this wine up for our Members! You are going to love the fine tannins and perfect balance between fruit notes and the lovely earthy, savory character. Absolutely beautifully made wine!

Winemakers Notes: “This wine is for the consumer who wants a true-to-the-varietal Pinot Gris!”

“This wine has everything we wanted in a Pinot Gris. The nose has light talc powder with floral notes. The mouthfeel is soft and has good balance. Flavors of bright honeysuckle and light wood create good length on the finish.”

Wine Advocate: N/A

Wine Spectator: N/A

Blend: 100% Pinot Gris

Alcohol Level: 13.5%

Cases Produced: 253

Winemaker Name: Darcy Pendergrass

Maturity: Drink Now – 2018

Pairings: Great with white fish like halibut, sole, and cod.  Also great with mussels, clams, and oysters.  Or, semi-soft cow’s milk and sheep’s milk cheeses.   

Staff Review: Jay Johnstone – On a recent trip with family, my fiancée explored a wonderful winery called Keeler Estate.  After the red carpet treatment, she left with almost a case of wine and said to me, “You’ve got to try these wines!”  So, being the ever vigilant wine sleuth, I contacted Keeler Estate, and within a couple of days, CV had a gamut of samples to get through.  However, we could only select one for Wine Club, and the 2013 Keeler Estate Pinot Gris was an incredible find!  With absolutely no presence in California, CV Wine Club members now get exclusive access to this hidden gem of a wine.   Keeler Estate is located in Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Willamette Valley in Oregon.  Keeler specializes in just pinot gris, chardonnay, and pinot noir, and are all very limited in production.  This is a perfect wine for the hot days and months ahead.  Crisp, clean, and refreshing, this pinot gris is delightful!

Don’t miss the 2014 Keeler Estate “Reserve” Pinot Noir in stock now too!