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2018

In 2018 our dry-farmed, head-trained vineyard turned 20 years old. An occasion to celebrate!  The 2018 vintage was big.  In every way, tonnage, aroma, flavor, acid, you name it! The blend of this vintage is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Sangiovese.  For the first time, the Estate Riserva has more Cabernet than Sangiovese.  We are very proud of what this vineyard has produced over the last 20 years and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition:
Bella Luna Estate Winery (Paso Robles, Templeton Gap District, California) “Estate Riserva” Carly’s Estate Vineyard 2018 ($58):  Wow!  Here’s a stunning Super Tuscan-styled blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese that could not hit the target more squarely.  Pulsing raspberry and spice aromas are layered and deep, and they translate beautifully on the palate where some dried herbs join in, all riding on a carpet of supple tannins and zesty acidity that push the finish into the distance.  I’m always impressed by this producer, but I don’t give the “Wow!” out lightly. This is truly worthy – not to mention age-worthy.  Yes, there are cellar trophies from this Paso Robles sub-AVA.  Bravissimo!  98

Platinum 98 pts, Wine of the Year, Domestic
Platinum 98 pts, Best of Show Red Wine

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$68.00
/ Estate Riserva
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$816.00
/ Case of 12
 

Wine Specs

Vintage 2018
Varietal Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Appellation Templeton Gap District
Vineyard Designation Carly's Vineyard
Harvest Date September
Aging Aged for 28 months in 20% new French oak barrels; Bottled unfiltered
Bottling Date March 18, 2021
Residual Sugar 0
Alcohol % 14.1
Wine Enthusiast 91

Wine Profile

Tasting Notes Our Estate Super-Tuscan Blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Sangiovese shows why a dry-farmed vineyard is so highly sought after.
Vineyard Notes Planted in 1998, our Estate vineyard, “Carly’s Vineyard” is own rooted, dry farmed, head trained two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and two acres of Sangiovese. Planted in Lockwood/Series (Fine loamy) soils with large Salinas river cobblestone rock naturally in the rows and in between each vine.
Other Notes Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition Platinum 98 pts, Wine of the Year, Domestic Platinum 98 pts, Best of Show Red Wine Central Coast Wine Competition Double Gold Best of Class, Other Italian Style Critics Challenge Gold Los Angeles Invitational Best of Class / Double Gold