The Green Valley Road Vineyard has been a corner stone of the Karmen Isabella blend. This section of the vineyard has been known in the cellar as the ‘Dark Horse’ and “Wow Juice”.We regularly taste and evaluate vineyards and blocks for inclusion in blends or as stand alone expressions of great fruit and distinctive Terroir.
Lucky for us, behind every amazing vineyard that we farm comes an equally deep story from our multi-generational family history. The La Familia Pinot Noir is no exception. It is about neighbors and friends. Families and farming. Treating people with respect and tending to Mother Nature. His committment over time has rewarded us with a wine that is focused and pristine. The Pommard clone on this vineyard lends many dark fruit qualities ot the wine. This clone consistently produces small berries and clusters with concentrated fruit flavors.
Experienced the elegant side of Pinot Noir with fruit from our Jewell Vineyard, a true gem. This limited production wine is made in the old-world style with more earthiness apparent from start to finish. The nose is consistently bright bouquet of bing cherry, lavender, and plum blossoms. Aromatically complex and simultaneously delicate, the flavors that exude are Portobello mushroom, damp forest floor, orange coated with Baker’s dark chocolate, and hints of clove and allspice.
This svelte and complex wine is defined as the “Big Brother” of our Pinot Noirs. Coming rom a winery with a “Sisters’ Collection” of wines that says a lot! It definitely holds its own and lets its distinctive voice be heard…and tasted. Tracy Dutton has consistently noted the particular aromas, of the red cherries from this distinctive vineyard.
The Manzana Vineyard always brings us an expressive sark fruit that tantalizes our taste buds and often is a key component of the Karmen Isabella Pinot Noir blend. The consistent, deep crimson color provides the prelude to the bright fruit aromas that taste and unfold in this wine. Complex layers mid-palate of forest floor, pine needles, and subtle tannins. There’s also a sweet, light tobacco melded with French vanilla from the varying degrees of toastiness in the oak barrels that harmonize into a well-structured, almost chewy, body. Manzana represents classic cool climate pinot Noir: it can be served now or cellared for five to eight years.
The nose has a slight mineral essence and freshly plucked garden herbs. Medium-bodied, notes of golden raspberry, baked cherries, Pink Lady, and Gravenstein apple unfold along with other sweet, dark fruit and a touch of black licorice and gamey flavors. Velvety texture with a slight dustiness from French oak barrel aging.
95 Points - Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Planet Grape Wine- "a cab lover's pinot"
90 points - "Very Highly Recommended" – California Grapevine
There’s a sweet, light tobacco essence along with French vanilla from the varying degrees of toastiness in the oak barrels that harmonize into a well-structured, almost chewy, body.
94 Points - Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
90 Points - "Very Highly Recommended" – California Grapevine
One of the hallmarks of our Karmen Isabella Pinot Noir is its consistency vintage to vintage. We are fortunate to own and farm amazing vineyard properties in the picturesque Russian River Valley, especially for this extremely delicate grape. The crimson color of the 2016 vintage leads to aromas of blackberry jam, rose petals, fresh herbs, and Red Delicious apple. The Thomas Road Vineyard adds a layer of earthiness we love. The Green Valley Road Vineyard brings in amazing cherry and raspberry and the Manzana Vineyard translates to a round mouthfeel and fruit character. Sourcing from these three sites gives this Pinot Noir flavors of pomegranate, black cherry, berry jam (the trifecta of blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry), notes of citrus peel, and a delicious touch of cinnamon stick tinged with brown sugar. This energetic wine has noticeable acidity, firm tannins, and a structured finish with a juicy pop at the end that makes you want more.
91 Points - Wine Spectator
91 Points - California Grapevine "Very Highly Recommended"
Silky sweetness intertwines with bright acidity to create a charming and delightful mouthfeel. A long, powerful finish lingers with the taste of tart Santa Rosa plum fading into citrusy pomegranate.
