
2023 CARMÉNÈRE
SILVER - 2025 CASCADIA WINE COMPETITION
Harvest and Production
Carménère was hand-harvested on October 26 from Kerry Hill, with a small portion of Syrah machine-harvested from Skyline on October 10 to add depth and color. The fruit was fermented with a mix of wild and conventional yeasts, saw 10% saignée, and stayed on skins for 14 days for full extraction.
After pressing, the wine aged 11 months with a bold oak profile: 62% new Pennsylvania oak, with the remainder in neutral barrels. The result is a focused and spicy expression of Carménère with Syrah giving a bit of weight and polish.
Cases Produced: 125
Tasting Notes
Bright, savory, and varietally true. Red fruits lead—cranberry, pomegranate, and cherry—layered with herbal notes, white pepper, and a touch of jalapeño stem typical of Carménère. The palate is medium-bodied, lifted by clean acidity and framed by fine, persistent tannins. A short decant opens the wine and brings out more depth and spice.
Food Pairing Ideas
• Grilled flank steak with chimichurri
• Roast pork with herbs
• Black bean and roasted pepper dishes
• Aged Manchego
• Charred vegetables with olive oil and garlic
