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 January

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Babcock “Rita’s Earth” Pinot Noir 2016

(Santa Rita Valley, CA)

Babcock “Rita’s Earth” Pinot Noir 2016

Winery Tasting Notes: Slender on the pallet, accentuating richness and earthiness of Sta. Rita Hills fruit.  Nuances of leather and raspberries.

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Level: 14.1%
Maturity: Drink now – 2022
Winemaker: Bryan Babcock

Pairings: Blue cheese with Lingonberry preserves, roast pork tenderloin

Fun Facts: Rita’s Earth is our tribute to Saint Rita, patron saint and namesake of our appellation, the Sta. Rita Hills. Drawn by our daughter, Chloe, the rose that adorns the label is emblematic of the strength and & beauty that is the hallmark of Rita’s legacy. Being a second label, Rita’s Earth facilitates the ongoing delivery of a well-constructed $25 Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills fruit. While currently a bit tight in its youth, the wine should continue to grow aromatically and texturally for the next three to five years.

B-Side Red Wine Blend 2015

(Napa Valley, CA)

B-Side Red Wine Blend 2015

Winery Tasting Notes: Powerful yet approachable with inviting aromas of fresh blueberries, leather, tobacco leaf and a subtle eucalyptus note adding  intrigue. The lifted aromas lead to a well-structured palate with smooth tannins and layers of fruit avors, red currant and clove spice.

Blend: 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Maturity: Drink now – 2023

Pairings: roasted chicken or grilled herb marinated pork tenderloin

Fun Facts: In the early 1950s record companies introduced the two-sided 45. The “A” side played the song the record companies hoped would become a hit. But the “B” side was often the real nd, frequently revealing an undiscovered gem. Inspired by these B Side tracks our wines are crafted with grapes grown in our favorite slightly-o-the-beaten-track vineyards. This is where the real gems are unearthed and discovered.

Buoncristiani ‘OPC’ Proprietary Red 2014

(Napa Valley, CA)

Buoncristiani ‘OPC’ Proprietary Red 2014

Winery Tasting Notes: A brilliant nose of blue, red and black fruits, licorice, graphite, background spice and roasted meats . Black currants and cocoa in the mid-palate finish with firm but supple tannins.

Blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 20% Malbec, 12% Merlot
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Maturity: Drink now – 2028
Winemaker: Jay Buoncristiani
Cases Produced: 2300
Accolades: 95 points – Robert Parker

Pairings: Smoked brisket, mediterranean spiced braised lamb

Fun Facts: “One of my favorite under-the-radar wineries is Buoncristiani.” – Robert Parker, Jr.

To ensure our highest standard of quality, the vineyards are managed by growers who adhere to our strict viticultural philosophy and the wines are crafted with our own hands. The components of O.P.C. were harvested and fermented separately in small batches, then carefully blended in several phases during the second year of barrel aging.

B-Side Red Wine Blend 2015

(Napa Valley, CA)

B-Side Red Wine Blend 2015

Winery Tasting Notes: Powerful yet approachable with inviting aromas of fresh blueberries, leather, tobacco leaf and a subtle eucalyptus note adding  intrigue. The lifted aromas lead to a well-structured palate with smooth tannins and layers of fruit avors, red currant and clove spice.

Blend: 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Maturity: Drink now – 2023

Pairings: roasted chicken or grilled herb marinated pork tenderloin

Fun Facts: In the early 1950s record companies introduced the two-sided 45. The “A” side played the song the record companies hoped would become a hit. But the “B” side was often the real nd, frequently revealing an undiscovered gem. Inspired by these B Side tracks our wines are crafted with grapes grown in our favorite slightly-o-the-beaten-track vineyards. This is where the real gems are unearthed and discovered.

Kanzler Chardonnay 2014

(Russian River Valley, CA)

Kanzler Chardonnay 2014

Winery Tasting Notes:  A bouquet anchored by fig and nectarine with nuances of crème brûlée, papaya and cinnamon. Neither lean nor voluptuous on the palate, the wine strikes a deft balance with a silky texture and notes of peach, apricot and a kiss of toasty French oak on the mid-palate transitioning to citrus fruits as the wine glides along to finish with a soft and creamy acid backbone and pleasing flint and river stone minerality.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 14.4%
Maturity: Drink now – 2021
Cases Produced: 286
Winemaker: Alex Kanzler

Pairings: Poached Salmon with morels and leeks, cheese fondue

Fun Facts: A blend of two vineyards featuring local, heritage clones, as well as cuttings from famous Burgundy vineyards, our Chardonnay deftly walks the line between the fruitforward new world style and the crisp, mineral style of the great French Burgundies.

Sixto “Uncovered” Chardonnay 2014

(Washington)

Sixto “Uncovered” Chardonnay 2014

Winery Tasting Notes: Dynamic, yet sleek and refined, driven by a core of minerally acidity that meshes with the delicately complex apple, Meyer lemon and spicy yeast accents. Ripe peach and nectarine aromas are complemented by sexy butterscotchy lees.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 13.5%
Maturity: Drink now -2021
Winemaker Name: Charles Smith and B. Leighton

Pairings: Seafood bouillabaisse, lemon chicken

Accolades: 94 Points and Top 100 – ‘ Wine Spectator’

Fun Facts: Who knew the cutting edge of Chardonnay in America could be found in Washington from vines that used to make $10 sparkling wine?  You can’t make this stuff up…

Bravium Chardonnay 2015

(Russian River Valley, CA)

Bravium Chardonnay 2015

Winery Tasting Notes: Opens with candied pineapple and key lime pie aromas, accented by notes of white flowers, brown spice, toast, vanilla, butter, and honeycomb. The palate reveals a viscous, mouth-coating texture, framed by tropical fruit and lemon meringue flavors. Hints of citrus and honeydew melon give way to minerality and refreshing acidity. A smooth finish and subtle oak undertones round out this ultra-complex Chardonnay

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol Level: 14.1 %

Maturity: Drink now – 2021

Winemaker: Derek Rohlffs

Cases Produced: 3868 6-packs

Pairings: cream soups, roast chicken with sorrel, brie cheese and white grapes

Fun Facts: Derek’s  classic minimalist approach translates the nuances of each coastal vineyard in the glass, illustrating a distinct, transparent sense of place in every sip. The result is a collection of compelling, terroir-driven wines that pair naturally with food and have rare aging potential, relative to their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir peers.

B-Side Red Wine Blend 2015

(Napa Valley, CA)

B-Side Red Wine Blend 2015

Winery Tasting Notes: Powerful yet approachable with inviting aromas of fresh blueberries, leather, tobacco leaf and a subtle eucalyptus note adding  intrigue. The lifted aromas lead to a well-structured palate with smooth tannins and layers of fruit avors, red currant and clove spice.

Blend: 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Maturity: Drink now – 2023

Pairings: roasted chicken or grilled herb marinated pork tenderloin

Fun Facts: In the early 1950s record companies introduced the two-sided 45. The “A” side played the song the record companies hoped would become a hit. But the “B” side was often the real nd, frequently revealing an undiscovered gem. Inspired by these B Side tracks our wines are crafted with grapes grown in our favorite slightly-o-the-beaten-track vineyards. This is where the real gems are unearthed and discovered.

Bravium Chardonnay 2015

(Russian River Valley, CA)

Bravium Chardonnay 2015

Winery Tasting Notes: Opens with candied pineapple and key lime pie aromas, accented by notes of white flowers, brown spice, toast, vanilla, butter, and honeycomb. The palate reveals a viscous, mouth-coating texture, framed by tropical fruit and lemon meringue flavors. Hints of citrus and honeydew melon give way to minerality and refreshing acidity. A smooth finish and subtle oak undertones round out this ultra-complex Chardonnay

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol Level: 14.1 %

Maturity: Drink now – 2021

Winemaker: Derek Rohlffs

Cases Produced: 3868 6-packs

Pairings: cream soups, roast chicken with sorrel, brie cheese and white grapes

Fun Facts: Derek’s  classic minimalist approach translates the nuances of each coastal vineyard in the glass, illustrating a distinct, transparent sense of place in every sip. The result is a collection of compelling, terroir-driven wines that pair naturally with food and have rare aging potential, relative to their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir peers.

Buoncristiani ‘OPC’ Proprietary Red 2014

(Napa Valley, CA)

Buoncristiani ‘OPC’ Proprietary Red 2014

Winery Tasting Notes: A brilliant nose of blue, red and black fruits, licorice, graphite, background spice and roasted meats . Black currants and cocoa in the mid-palate finish with firm but supple tannins.

Blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 20% Malbec, 12% Merlot
Alcohol Level: 14.5%
Maturity: Drink now – 2028
Winemaker: Jay Buoncristiani
Cases Produced: 2300
Accolades: 95 points – Robert Parker

Pairings: Smoked brisket, mediterranean spiced braised lamb

Fun Facts: “One of my favorite under-the-radar wineries is Buoncristiani.” – Robert Parker, Jr.

To ensure our highest standard of quality, the vineyards are managed by growers who adhere to our strict viticultural philosophy and the wines are crafted with our own hands. The components of O.P.C. were harvested and fermented separately in small batches, then carefully blended in several phases during the second year of barrel aging.

Ferrari Brut NV

(Italy)

Ferrari Brut NV

Winery Tasting Notes: A fresh and intense nose with a broad fruity  note of Golden Delicious apples and wild flowers underpinned with a delicate note of yeast.  Harmonious and  well balanced, with an attractive undertone of ripe fruit and hints of crusty bread.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 12.5%
Maturity: Drink now – 2024

Pairings:  – Charcuterie, Tomatoes with Mozzarella and basil, marcona almonds

Fun Facts: The historic wine of Ferrari and a manifesto for the perfect combination of Trentino’s terroir and Chardonnay grapes.  Sourced from the slopes of the mountains of Trentino from the Communes of Val  d’Adige, Val d’ Cembra and  Valle dei Laghi.

Jane Ventura Cava Reserva de la Musica Brut Rose NV

(Spain)

Jane Ventura Cava Reserva de la Musica Brut Rose NV

Winery Tasting Notes: Pale salmon rosé colour. Bouquet offers up a complex variety of harmonious aromas, with notes of sour cherries, green strawberry, pearly minerals and floral perfume (dry roses). Is’t fresh, round and smooth in the mouth. Persistent carbonic strength with small and delicate bubbles.

Blend: 100% Grenache
Alcohol Level: 12%
Maturity: Drink now – 2024

Pairings: Oysters at a beach bar, crabcakes, and sushi with avocados. It’s rich enough to balance a quiche with gruyere and bacon or a pork tenderloin with mushrooms. 

Fun Facts: The label is a symbol of the carbonic movements and rhythm. It is also a pentagram as well as being an interpretation of instruments (strings, keyboard, and pipes). Colours are inspired from the vineyards and the seasonal shades.

Champagne Thienot Brut Rose NV

(France)

Champagne Thienot Brut Rose NV

Winery Tasting Notes: Lovely deep colour, aromas of raspberries, with a nice grip of acidity on the palate. Good freshness and harmony, fruity balance.

Blend: 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier
Alcohol Level: 12.5%
Maturity: Drink now – 2027

Pairings: – Aperitif with fine tapas, small sweet tomatoes and stuffed artichokes. Light red meat or even a thin crust pizza. Desserts like strawberry or mixed fruit cocktails

Fun Facts: An expression of charm and seduction, the Thiénot House’s dry rose Champagne is a subtle blend of three Champagne grape varieties. Its beautiful pink colour evokes the delicate flavour of summer raspberries. The palate is seduced by the Champagne’s finesse and the nose discovers tangy notes of morel cherry and blackcurrant. The wine caresses and kisses the mouth with delicacy and lightness. A perfect balance between subtlety and body, the Champagne brut rosé is a homage to sensuality.

Champagne Drappier ‘Carte d’Or’ Brut NV

(France)

Champagne Drappier ‘Carte d’Or’ Brut NV

Winery Tasting Notes: Opens with aromas of stone fruits such as white vineyard peach. A spicy hint announces a powerful and complex palate. A vinous Champagne of lovely complexity with a characteristic note of quince jelly.

Blend: 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier
Alcohol Level: 12%
Maturity: Drink now – 2027
Winemaker: Michel Drappier
Pairings: Ideal as an aperitif. At the table it goes with white meats, rolled fish fillets, Chaource cheese

Fun Facts: Michel Drappier is the seventh generation of the Drappier family.  The family stretches back to the draper Rémy Drappier, who was born in 1604, but it was not until 1808 that François settled in Urville, in the south of Champagne, where Cistercian monks had settled in the 12th century. When Georges Collot, the maternal grandfather of Michel Drappier, planted his first Pinot vines in the 1930s, the neighboring winegrowers laughed at him, calling him “Father Pinot”. André and Micheline carried forward the style established by “Father Pinot” and created the prestige cuvée Carte d’Or  in 1952.