Community Tasting Note
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DrewGoin Likes this wine:
February 18, 2016 - The Idlewild 2013 Carignan Testa Vineyard was PnP, and consumed over two nights. This Carignan exhibits more blackberry/raspberry flavor intensity than I initially expected, despite the wine's relatively lighter mouthfeel. Pleasing herbal notes are present, adding complexity to an otherwise "pretty" wine. The finish is a little tight on the first evening, so it may benefit from more time to open up.
On the second day, the Idlewild Carignan fills the palate with fruit, from beginning to the finish, the acidity keeping the wine fresh and interesting. There is a slight presence of alcohol but, if served slightly below room temperature, I am certain that it would be unnoticeable. None of the flavors I have detected in other Mendocino Carignan-based wines are found here - short finish, unripe red raspberries, bitter, astringent oak leaf notes.
I have a great respect for Sam Bilbro & Co for crafting a pleasurable, educational wine. I now understand what winemakers have intended by implementing Carignan in Zinfandel-blends. A good Carignan not only contributes acidity to the mix; the "hollow mid-palate" some Zins suffer can be alleviated by the gentle touch of Carignans like this.
The pricing of many varietal Carignan wines may prevent this grape from getting its due, but Idlewild's bottling works for its money!1,398 views