Carica 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, ‘Kick Ranch’ Vineyard, Sonoma County

Made in a classic French style, this single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc offers the aroma of tropical fruit.  It features crisp acidity, an intense mouth feel, and a prolonged, refreshing finish.  The grapes were harvested cold in the very early morning from a hillside rows of the Kick Ranch Vineyard in Sonoma County, California.  The wine was made with both Sauvignon Blanc (75%) and Sauvignon Musque (25%).  Ten percent of the wine was barrel fermented in new French oak with lees stirring, and then blended back into tank fermented wine.  593 cases produced.

Notes on the wine Tasting Notes Sauvignon Blanc 2008

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Carica 2010 Rosé, ‘Bennett Valley’, Sonoma County

With a light, salmon-pink blush, this Rosé of Grenache is crisp and classicly dry.  The flavors are of raspberries and tart cherries.  The 2010 growing season was cooler than average, allowing Carica’s small lot of premium Grenache from Judge Family Vineyard, Bennett Valley AVA (Sonoma County), to reach physiological ripeness at lower sugar levels–ideal for producing a full-flavored Rosé.  The crushed grapes and must were allowed to sit on the skins for 24 hours prior to pressing.  Fermentation started with wild yeast.  Bottled June 7, 2011.  30 cases produced.

Notes on the wine Tasting Notes Rose 2010

Carica 2007 Syrah,  ‘Kick Ranch’ Vineyard, Sonoma County

Robert Parker (August, 2010) :

“ . . . exhibits lots of crème de cassis fruit intermixed with smoky, blackberry notes in a meaty, full-bodied, powerful style displaying good balance as well as a distinctive earthiness.”

Rich and intense, characteristic of the Northern Rhone’s finest wines.  The grapes of three Syrah clones—Hermitage, 470 and 877 – were harvested from Sonoma County’s Kick Ranch Vineyard in September 2007.  The wine was aged 18 months in both new and used French and American oak barrels.  Bottled unfiltered and unfined on May 25, 2009.  Limited production, 174 cases.

Notes on the wine Tasting Notes Syrah 2007

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Carica 2008 Syrah,  ‘Kick Ranch’ Vineyard, Sonoma County

Full-bodied and elegant, this Syrah opens with aromas of blackberry and cassis, followed by a complex flavor profile of concentrated black cherry with notes of chocolate, smoke and sage. Three Syrah clones were harvested in late September and early October, co-fermented, then aged 16 months in both new and 2-year old French oak and American oak barrels

A balanced wine with plenty of structure, the Syrah will pair well with steak and balsamic onion relish, grilled lamb kabobs, or a Moroccan vegetable stew.  Highly drinkable now, and should cellar for a decade.  100 cases produced.

Notes on the wine Tasting Notes Syrah 2008-3

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Carica 2008 Petite Sirah, ‘Kick Ranch’ Vineyard, Sonoma County

Double Gold Medal Winner, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2011

Wine Enthusiast – 92 points, April 2011

Carica’s 2008 Petite Sirah was made from Sonoma County grapes, grown at Kick Ranch vineyard.  It offers intense fruit flavors and a rich finish.  Full-bodied and purple/black in color, the wine has aromas of spice, ripe plums, sandalwood, and violets, and flavors of blackberry, cassis, and a touch of black pepper.  Aged 21 months in French and American oak.  Limited production, 125 cases.  Bottled in August, 2010.

Notes on the wine Tasting Notes Petite Sirah 2008

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Carica 2008 Rhone-style Red Wine ‘The Siren’ G-S-M

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points, April 2011

‘The Siren’ blends the Rhone varietals Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.  It follows in the tradition of Carica’s 2007 ‘Temptation’ proprietary red wine blend.  With its boldness and clean finish, this Red Wine tempts you with aromas of red fruit and herbs de Provence, and flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and pepper.  Limited Production, 175 cases.  Bottled in August, 2010.

Notes on the wine Tasting Notes Siren 2008

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