Wine Club Tasting Notes Online. . . Exclusively

Welcome to Carpe Vino’s Wine Club Tasting Notes Online, where each month you’ll find information about all of our current selections. After wines have been billed and are ready to be picked up or shipped, Wine Club members will receive an email notification. Simply select the club in which you are enrolled below. You can view the tasting notes online, download a PDF and view notes for other clubs. The best part is all notes are archived, so if you cellar your wines, you can come back and locate any tasting notes.

Wine pricing shown with the notes is full retail; wine club pricing is shown on your receipt when you pick up your wine. We hope you find this process helpful and easy to use. And for your privacy, your membership information will be kept confidential. Carpe Vino does not share our information with any outside companies or other organizations.

Enjoy!

Wine Club Tasting Notes for April

Select Wine Club Category

2014 Shiner 15.2 Zinfandel $20

(Paso Robles)

2014 Shiner 15.2 Zinfandel $20

Winery Tasting Notes: “The “Shiner” brand is our proprietary label through which we market wines as a “negociant,” or marketer of wines.  We don’t make this juice; we search out the best values we can find and sell them through Shiner Wine Company.  The designation 15.2 means it was the second wine we released in 2002.”

Blend: 100% zinfandel
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced:  224 (total prouction)
Winemaker:  Not revealed
Maturity:  Drink now, or at least before the next mid-term election

Pairings:  Dem ribs, dem ribs, dem poek ribs. Nice with a mess of spicy chicken wings, yeah boy.

Gary

Staff Review: GARY MOFFAT:  While the Lodi region rules when it comes to producing great zins, Paso Robles is a notable competitor, though its examples are not as lusty, extraction is more subtle and the alcohol content tends to more restrained, like this one at 14.5% (a lightweight compared to some of the bruisers pushing 17% down Lodi way.

Stick your nose in a glass of this stuff and you get a perky hit of just-picked strawberries spanked with white pepper.  Remarkably elegant for a zinfandel. . .fruit forward, but I wasn’t disappointed to not detect residual sugar.  In fact, this wine is unexpectedly dry.  Flavor profile is dominated again by strawberry, with a hint of cranberry tartness of the end.  Eminently quaffable. . .you’ve been warned.

2011 Outcast Cabernet Sauvignon $34.95

(Napa Valley)

2011 Outcast Cabernet Sauvignon $34.95

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The fruit from this exciting wine comes from 3 distinct parcels adjacent to some of the most famous growers in the St. Helena/Napa Valley areas.

2011 was a cool vintage that brought a very unique and restrained French-style Cabernet to the forefront, and we enhanced the flavor and extraction with 10% Petit Verdot from the same vineyards.

The 2011 Outcast Cabernet is rich in flavor with reminiscent Napa Valley gaminess that speaks of the general terrior profile of the area.  Extracted and dark in color (for such a cool vintage), coupled with an interesting nose of bright fruit, this cabernet is definitely something interesting to observe.

Leave it in the glass and the bouquet will tempt you with wild blueberry jam and a dark toasted index cherry nose.  Elegant and supple texture on the palate, with primary fruit flavors of cherries, currants, herbs and dark chocolate. 

Soft, silky tannins will grip you after a few sips, but on attack are barely discernible as most old-world Napa Valley cabernet wines are back in the 1980’s and 1990’s (a time when Napa Valley was put on the map after the tasting of Paris).  This wine is well-structured and culminates in a long and satisfying finish.

Enjoy the 2011 Outcast St. Helena Cabernet every night of the week or laydown for a few years to further enhance it layers.  Pair with roasted spice lamb, seared venison, or a nice steak.”

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Level: 13.9%
Cases Produced: 360
Winemaker Name: Bruce Devlin
Maturity: Drink Now – 2021

Pairings:  Roasted/Grilled/BBQ, Beef, Lamb, Venison or Pork Tenderloin, Hard Cheese – Manchengo, Pecorino, Black Pepper

 Drew_july2012_2501

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – WOW…April wine club members have we found an incredible wine for you….and don’t just like at your receipt!  Spring/Summer obviously brings warmer temps which puts you in the mood for pinot noir, gamay or even grenache!  That said, when the WEBER is grilling you might find yourself in need of a well-balanced, food-friendly cab sauv…which the 2011 Outcast (100%) Cabernet Sauvignon fits the bill!

This limited-produced St. Helena Cabernet should not be over-looked because of the bad rap 2011 received as a vintage within the Napa Valley.  This is one of those diamonds in the rough, that offers incredible dark berry flavors, cocoa and gentle tannins that will satisfy the palate of almost any wine drinker from novice-to-collector.  That said, I believe this wine is in its “comfort zone” and should be consumed within the next 3 years.  Cheers!

 

2014 Shiner 15.2 Zinfandel $20

(Paso Robles)

2014 Shiner 15.2 Zinfandel $20

Winery Tasting Notes: “The “Shiner” brand is our proprietary label through which we market wines as a “negociant,” or marketer of wines.  We don’t make this juice; we search out the best values we can find and sell them through Shiner Wine Company.  The designation 15.2 means it was the second wine we released in 2002.”

Blend: 100% zinfandel
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced:  224 (total prouction)
Winemaker:  Not revealed
Maturity:  Drink now, or at least before the next mid-term election

Pairings:  Dem ribs, dem ribs, dem poek ribs. Nice with a mess of spicy chicken wings, yeah boy.

Gary

Staff Review: GARY MOFFAT:  While the Lodi region rules when it comes to producing great zins, Paso Robles is a notable competitor, though its examples are not as lusty, extraction is more subtle and the alcohol content tends to more restrained, like this one at 14.5% (a lightweight compared to some of the bruisers pushing 17% down Lodi way.

Stick your nose in a glass of this stuff and you get a perky hit of just-picked strawberries spanked with white pepper.  Remarkably elegant for a zinfandel. . .fruit forward, but I wasn’t disappointed to not detect residual sugar.  In fact, this wine is unexpectedly dry.  Flavor profile is dominated again by strawberry, with a hint of cranberry tartness of the end.  Eminently quaffable. . .you’ve been warned.

2012 Foundry “The Crucible” Red Blend $68

(Napa Valley)

2012 Foundry “The Crucible” Red Blend $68

Winery Tasting Notes: “The Crucible is an approachable “Right Bank Blend”; intense ripe, dark fruits aromas with subtle traces of earthiness. Fruit forward flavors and refined spices give this blend a liveliness from start to finish. Well-developed structure and tannins make this a truly unique and share-worthy blend.”

Blend: 94% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Level: 14.8%
Cases Produced: 104
Winemaker Name: Patrick Saboe
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  2” thick, juicy, medium rare rib eye steaks or Texas style BBQ brisket, with grilled summer vegetables.

IMG_2241-e1458057201781-450x600

Staff Review:  RICHARD HAMILTON – Under the care of Winemaker Patrick Saboe “The Crucible” red blend has been forged from the finest raw materials in Napa Valley. A wine like this makes it easy to see why Bordeaux style blends are so popular. By utilizing the best components of each varietal you are able to create a blend of seamless continuity. Mainly comprised of merlot, the wine is rich and full of flavor, but with silky refined tannins. I love merlot based blends sooooo much when done right! And this is done RIGHT! Bursting with notes of black cherry and blackberry with complementary flavors of pie crust, baking spice and earth. Ripe but not over the top. Decadently rich and smooth, it is drinking perfectly right now, but will continue to age well over the next 6+ years. Not sure how you would manage to keep it that long though…

 

2013 Kobalt “Knights Valley” Sauvignon Blanc $28

(Napa Valley)

2013 Kobalt “Knights Valley” Sauvignon Blanc $28

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits hints of pale yellow in the color. Fragrant and tropical, showing off the cooler growing year, displaying bright acidity, guava, lemon zest and a wisp of melon. Suggestions of minerals integrate well with the concentrated exotic flavors of lemon grass and passion fruit that explode on the palate. The bright acidity beacons an array of shellfish, mild cheeses and fruit.”

Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol Level: 13.6%
Cases Produced: 245
Winemaker Name: Mark Herold
Maturity: Drink Now – 2018

Pairings: Perfect with Roasted Chicken, Grilled Halibut, Lobster, Goat Cheeses

CV_shoot_jayb

Staff Review: JAY JOHNSTONE – Winemaker Mark Herold is one of the most renown cult wine producers in the world today.  He was kind of a Cinderalla story in that he began winemaking out of his garage in Napa on a project called Merus in 1998.  Aside from all the challenges associated with the 1998 vintage in Napa Valley, Merus Cabernet scored a very respectable 93 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.  This lead to his wine consulting business with clients such as Hestan, Kamen, Buccella, The Vineyardist, and of course Kobalt Wines.  I really liked his rendition of sauvignon blanc!  From its straw yellow hue to its tropical fruit and honeysuckle bouquet on the nose, this SB is very inviting.  Ripe melon, papaya, and hints of ginger spice rounded out the palate nicely with crisp acidity.  I am excited this a Wine Club wine.  With the limited production, cult winemaker status, and the flavors this wine exudes, I think all white wine lovers will enjoy this wine…even the die-hard chardonnay drinkers will dig this wine!

2014 O’Shaughnessy “Oakville” Chardonnay $54.95

(Napa Valley)

2014 O’Shaughnessy “Oakville” Chardonnay $54.95

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Our Oakville Chardonnay was fermented and sur lie aged for ten months in 32% new French oak barrels, 42% neutral French oak barrels, and 26% stainless steel barrels. The resulting wine is radiant yellow in color and displays aromas of flower blossom, white peach, passion fruit, guava and candle wax. Flavors of lemon curd, pie crust and a rich yet bright acidity flow into a long persistent finish.”

Vinious Review (94 pts):  “The 2014 Chardonnay, from O’Shaughnessy’s estate vineyard in Oakville, is loaded with personality. Rich, ample and structured on the palate, the 2014 possesses superb depth and striking aromatic complexity throughout. Orchard fruit, flowers and white pepper are some of the scents that emerge from the glass, but it is the wine’s overall feel that really impresses today.”

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 14.1%
Cases Produced: NA
Winemaker Name: Sean Capiaux
Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Fried Chicken, Poached Lobster, Asian Salad  w/ Peanuts/Sesame  &  Soft Cheeses – Brie, Triple Cream

Drew_july2012_2501

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Sean Capiaux is definitely one of my favorite winemakers in all of the Napa Valley.  Capiaux’s career was established at prominent wineries such as Jordan, Pine Ridge and Peter Michael.  With a lineup like that it’s easy to see why his chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon are so highly sought after both from his personal label Capiaux and his contracted project O’Shaughnessy.  We are one of only a handful of fine wine shops that are lucky enough to procure his wine…hence we are sharing with you!

This wine is definitely a rare treat and absolutely stunning when matched with any of the suggested food pairings above.  For me, I am sucker for poached lobster, a beautiful ramekin of melted butter and a nice glass of properly chilled…48* Chardonnay.  With only 32% French Oak, it’s my assumption that this wine would definitely benefit from consumption during its earlier years!  Cheers!

2014 Shiner 15.2 Zinfandel $20

(Paso Robles)

2014 Shiner 15.2 Zinfandel $20

Winery Tasting Notes: “The “Shiner” brand is our proprietary label through which we market wines as a “negociant,” or marketer of wines.  We don’t make this juice; we search out the best values we can find and sell them through Shiner Wine Company.  The designation 15.2 means it was the second wine we released in 2002.”

Blend: 100% zinfandel
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Cases Produced:  224 (total prouction)
Winemaker:  Not revealed
Maturity:  Drink now, or at least before the next mid-term election

Pairings:  Dem ribs, dem ribs, dem poek ribs. Nice with a mess of spicy chicken wings, yeah boy.

Gary

Staff Review: GARY MOFFAT:  While the Lodi region rules when it comes to producing great zins, Paso Robles is a notable competitor, though its examples are not as lusty, extraction is more subtle and the alcohol content tends to more restrained, like this one at 14.5% (a lightweight compared to some of the bruisers pushing 17% down Lodi way.

Stick your nose in a glass of this stuff and you get a perky hit of just-picked strawberries spanked with white pepper.  Remarkably elegant for a zinfandel. . .fruit forward, but I wasn’t disappointed to not detect residual sugar.  In fact, this wine is unexpectedly dry.  Flavor profile is dominated again by strawberry, with a hint of cranberry tartness of the end.  Eminently quaffable. . .you’ve been warned.

2013 Kobalt “Knights Valley” Sauvignon Blanc $28

(Napa Valley)

2013 Kobalt “Knights Valley” Sauvignon Blanc $28

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits hints of pale yellow in the color. Fragrant and tropical, showing off the cooler growing year, displaying bright acidity, guava, lemon zest and a wisp of melon. Suggestions of minerals integrate well with the concentrated exotic flavors of lemon grass and passion fruit that explode on the palate. The bright acidity beacons an array of shellfish, mild cheeses and fruit.”

Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol Level: 13.6%
Cases Produced: 245
Winemaker Name: Mark Herold
Maturity: Drink Now – 2018

Pairings: Perfect with Roasted Chicken, Grilled Halibut, Lobster, Goat Cheeses

CV_shoot_jayb

Staff Review: JAY JOHNSTONE – Winemaker Mark Herold is one of the most renown cult wine producers in the world today.  He was kind of a Cinderalla story in that he began winemaking out of his garage in Napa on a project called Merus in 1998.  Aside from all the challenges associated with the 1998 vintage in Napa Valley, Merus Cabernet scored a very respectable 93 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.  This lead to his wine consulting business with clients such as Hestan, Kamen, Buccella, The Vineyardist, and of course Kobalt Wines.  I really liked his rendition of sauvignon blanc!  From its straw yellow hue to its tropical fruit and honeysuckle bouquet on the nose, this SB is very inviting.  Ripe melon, papaya, and hints of ginger spice rounded out the palate nicely with crisp acidity.  I am excited this a Wine Club wine.  With the limited production, cult winemaker status, and the flavors this wine exudes, I think all white wine lovers will enjoy this wine…even the die-hard chardonnay drinkers will dig this wine!

2012 Foundry “The Crucible” Red Blend $68

(Napa Valley)

2012 Foundry “The Crucible” Red Blend $68

Winery Tasting Notes: “The Crucible is an approachable “Right Bank Blend”; intense ripe, dark fruits aromas with subtle traces of earthiness. Fruit forward flavors and refined spices give this blend a liveliness from start to finish. Well-developed structure and tannins make this a truly unique and share-worthy blend.”

Blend: 94% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Level: 14.8%
Cases Produced: 104
Winemaker Name: Patrick Saboe
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  2” thick, juicy, medium rare rib eye steaks or Texas style BBQ brisket, with grilled summer vegetables.

IMG_2241-e1458057201781-450x600

Staff Review:  RICHARD HAMILTON – Under the care of Winemaker Patrick Saboe “The Crucible” red blend has been forged from the finest raw materials in Napa Valley. A wine like this makes it easy to see why Bordeaux style blends are so popular. By utilizing the best components of each varietal you are able to create a blend of seamless continuity. Mainly comprised of merlot, the wine is rich and full of flavor, but with silky refined tannins. I love merlot based blends sooooo much when done right! And this is done RIGHT! Bursting with notes of black cherry and blackberry with complementary flavors of pie crust, baking spice and earth. Ripe but not over the top. Decadently rich and smooth, it is drinking perfectly right now, but will continue to age well over the next 6+ years. Not sure how you would manage to keep it that long though…

 

2013 Kobalt “Knights Valley” Sauvignon Blanc $28

(Napa Valley)

2013 Kobalt “Knights Valley” Sauvignon Blanc $28

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits hints of pale yellow in the color. Fragrant and tropical, showing off the cooler growing year, displaying bright acidity, guava, lemon zest and a wisp of melon. Suggestions of minerals integrate well with the concentrated exotic flavors of lemon grass and passion fruit that explode on the palate. The bright acidity beacons an array of shellfish, mild cheeses and fruit.”

Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol Level: 13.6%
Cases Produced: 245
Winemaker Name: Mark Herold
Maturity: Drink Now – 2018

Pairings: Perfect with Roasted Chicken, Grilled Halibut, Lobster, Goat Cheeses

CV_shoot_jayb

Staff Review: JAY JOHNSTONE – Winemaker Mark Herold is one of the most renown cult wine producers in the world today.  He was kind of a Cinderalla story in that he began winemaking out of his garage in Napa on a project called Merus in 1998.  Aside from all the challenges associated with the 1998 vintage in Napa Valley, Merus Cabernet scored a very respectable 93 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.  This lead to his wine consulting business with clients such as Hestan, Kamen, Buccella, The Vineyardist, and of course Kobalt Wines.  I really liked his rendition of sauvignon blanc!  From its straw yellow hue to its tropical fruit and honeysuckle bouquet on the nose, this SB is very inviting.  Ripe melon, papaya, and hints of ginger spice rounded out the palate nicely with crisp acidity.  I am excited this a Wine Club wine.  With the limited production, cult winemaker status, and the flavors this wine exudes, I think all white wine lovers will enjoy this wine…even the die-hard chardonnay drinkers will dig this wine!