Carignan Prima 2009 (1.5L)

93 JS

Impressive for this appellation, with ripe fruit and light espresso character and hints of mushrooms. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long flavorful finish. Best ever from here. Best in 2016. James Suckling

Two excellent wines that sell for a song, the basic cuvee of Carignan displays lots of color, good, sweet black currant and black cherry fruit, medium body, silky tannins and low acidity. It is lush, sexy, and everything an inexpensive Bordeaux should be. The top cuvee, the Carignan Prima, is a true sleeper of the vintage. Fuller bodied, denser and more extracted, with slightly more oak (but not overdone), this low-acid 2009 displays ripe black currants along with hints of licorice and cedar. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate