Bella Luna, Templeton Gap District (Paso Robles, California) Red Wine “Estate Riserva” Carly’s Vineyard 2019 ($58): I went absolutely gaga over the 2018 version of this wine, and I’m glad to see this new vintage cross my desk. This iteration features 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes it quite different in character than its predecessor, but the quality level is unchanged. I don’t know if the winery still has both vintages available, but it’s worth checking, as the pair would make a perfect display of what a great winemaker can do with what a site offers them year over year. The mix of red fruit, herb and spice notes here is lively and satisfying – when pairing, go Italian and go big! Absolutely riveting wine. 98
In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Appellation
Templeton Gap District
Vineyard Designation
Carly's Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 2019
Aging
Aged for 30 months in 20% new French oak barrels; Bottled unfiltered
Bottling Date
March 29, 2022
Residual Sugar
0
Alcohol %
13.5
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Our Estate Super-Tuscan Blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon shows why a dry-farmed vineyard is so highly sought after.
Ratings
92 pts, Jeb Dunnuck - Based on 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Estate Riserva is terrific and has a ripe core of cherry and red plum fruits as well as complex notes of sandalwood, smoked tobacco, and baking spices. This medium to full-bodied, balanced, elegant red is impeccably made and will drink nicely for at least 5-7 years.
Awards
98 pts, Platnium, 2023 Domestic Wine Of The Year, Red Wine Of Show, Best Super Tuscan, International Winemaker Challenge
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.