Renowned viticulturist Louis Lucas and esteemed oenophile Judge Royce Lewellen embarked on a mission to cultivate the five classic red varietals of Bordeaux—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot—with meticulous precision. Recognizing an opportunity to enhance their portfolio, they turned to Carménère, a varietal with a storied pedigree in Bordeaux, its origins dating back to Roman viticulture.
In 2015, we planted three acres of Carménère in our meticulously managed vineyard, leveraging optimal terroir conditions to maximize its potential. Now in its fourth vintage, this wine is co-fermented with our "Clone 6" Cabernet Sauvignon, a low-yielding clone selected for its concentrated fruit and structural integrity. The co-fermentation process integrates Carménère’s herbaceous and spicy characteristics with Cabernet Sauvignon’s robust tannins and dark fruit profile, yielding a wine with a complex sensory profile: pronounced notes of black pepper, bell pepper, and dark cherry, underpinned by earthy minerality and a velvety mouthfeel. With a moderate alcohol content of approximately and balanced acidity, this Carménère is crafted for immediate enjoyment, showcasing vibrant fruit-forward expression while retaining potential for short-term cellaring.
This wine’s bold structure and intricate flavor matrix make it a distinguished addition to our portfolio, inviting connoisseurs to explore its depth with every precise, contemplative sip.
