Bella Luna, Templeton Gap District (Paso Robles, California) Red Wine “Estate Riserva” Carly's Vineyard 2019 ($58): I went absolutely gaga over the 2018 version of this wine, and I'm glad to see this new vintage cross my desk. This iteration features 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes it quite different in character than its predecessor, but the quality level is unchanged. I don't know if the winery still has both vintages available, but it's worth checking, as the pair would make a perfect display of what a great winemaker can do with what a site offers them year over year. The mix of red fruit, herb and spice notes here is lively and satisfying – when pairing, go Italian and go big! Absolutely riveting wine. 98
Our Estate Super-Tuscan Blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon shows why a dry-farmed vineyard is so highly sought after.
98 pts, Platnium, 2023 Domestic Wine Of The Year, Red Wine Of Show, Best Super Tuscan, International Winemaker Challenge
