Estate Bottled Red (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Carmenet Estate Bottled Red from Sonoma Valley is a bold blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. It offers concentrated flavors of bright black cherry, spice, and currant, creating a big, muscular profile. The wine's structure is robust, with firm tannins that have softened over time, leading to a smooth, lingering finish. Notably, the 1985 vintage was exceptional in California, providing ideal conditions for balanced and well-integrated wines. This wine reflects the unique terroir of Sonoma Valley, known for its diverse microclimates and rich winemaking history.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot are classic Bordeaux grape varieties that have thrived in Sonoma Valley's diverse climate and soils. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its small berries and thick skins, contributes deep color and tannic structure, making it ideal for aging. Cabernet Franc, a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, adds aromatic complexity and herbaceous notes, while Merlot offers softer tannins and ripe fruit flavors, enhancing the wine's approachability. In the 1980s, Sonoma Valley winemakers skillfully blended these varietals to create balanced and expressive wines, showcasing the region's potential for producing high-quality Bordeaux-style blends.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1985 Carmenet Estate Bottled Red from Sonoma Valley is a Bordeaux-style blend, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes.
• 🌙 This wine was produced in Sonoma Valley, an area also known as the 'Valley of the Moon,' a name derived from the local Native American dialect.
• 🏔️ The original Carmenet winery was literally dynamited into the rocks of the Mayacamas Mountains, above Sonoma Valley, creating a unique and secluded winemaking facility.
• 🍒 In 1988, Wine Spectator awarded the 1985 vintage a score of 91, describing it as 'woody and concentrated, loaded with bright black cherry, spice, and currant flavors packed together in a big, muscular style.'
• 🍷 The 1985 vintage was part of a period when Sonoma Valley's wine industry was expanding rapidly, contributing to the region's reputation for producing high-quality Bordeaux-style blends.

Palate profile

Producer

Carmenet (pronounced "Car-men-ay") was established in 1983, drawing inspiration from French winemaking traditions while embracing a Californian perspective. The winery's vineyards are located in Lodi, California, specifically at the family-owned Forest Lake Vineyard. Carmenet is renowned for producing balanced and elegant wines that offer an affordable luxury experience. Their motto, "half the price, yet twice as nice," reflects their commitment to quality and value. The winery's website is https://www.carmenetreserve.com/.