Brian Carter Cellars Corrida, Columbia Valley, USA

布萊恩卡特斗牛干紅葡萄酒

點擊次數：7654

The 2013 Corrida checks in as a Tempranillo-dominated red that also includes 26% Graciano and 11% Grenache. It offers classic notes of spiced cherries, cedary spice and cured meats in a rich, medium to full-bodied, ripe, pleasure-bent style that has tons to love. The tannin is ripe, it has good freshness, and I suspect it will drink beautifully for a decade (or more). This cuvee spent 22 months in a mix of American, French and Russian oak, 30% new.

The Tempranillo-dominated 2012 Corrida is terrific. It has 17% Graciano, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Garnacha, and was aged 22 months in 30% new French oak. It offers lots dark berry fruits, leather, licorice, cedar and caramelized meat in a full-bodied, impeccably balanced, seamless package. I love the texture here; it has ripe tannin and a great finish, all suggesting it will evolve for a decade or more.

The Tempranillo-dominated release, the 2011 Corrida checks in as 61% Tempranillo, 13% Merlot, 11% Graciano and the rest Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s medium+-bodied, nicely textured and balanced with the savory, baking spice, black cherry and cedar notes that are so common with Tempranillo. Aged 22 months in French, European and American Oak, 30% being new, it has sound underling structure and will have 15 years of overall longevity.

The 2009 Corrida is a blend of 62% Tempranillo, 12% Graciano (this is a Spanish red wine grape grown mostly in Rioja), 11% Merlot and 6% Grenache. Spending time in 30% new French and European barrels, it possesses a light ruby color as well as peppery, spice-driven aromas and flavors of dried cherries, licorice and tar. Medium-bodied, balanced and downright delicious, with a touch of dry tannin on the finish, it should drink nicely for 7-8 years. Drink now-2017. Based in Woodinville and made by Brian Carter, this is a solid, well-made lineup of wines. Tel. (425) 806-9463; www.briancartercellars.com

The 2008 Corrida is made up of 66% Tempranillo with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache aged for 22 months in 30% new, mostly French oak. The Tempranillo was sourced from the Stone Tree and Lonesome Springs Vineyards. Smoky oak, tobacco, a hint of leather, violets, black cherry, and blackberry compose the nose of this spicy, savory effort. It would have merited a higher score if it had greater depth and concentration. Nevertheless, it is a solid effort. Brian Carter Cellars remains a reliable source of quality Washington wines. Tel. (425) 806-WINE; www.briancartercellars.com