There’s not an abundance of this sixth red Bordeaux grape planted throughout the Walla Walla Valley, but Casey McClellan’s traditional sources for it are at opposite ends of the valley — cobblestoned Morrison Lane to the south and Mount Mazama-influenced Minnick Hills’s Block 8 at 1,150 feet elevation north of town. The work offers a charming nose of sweet herbs and brambly purple fruit with medium toasted wood that doesn’t get in the way of the finesse provided by minerality. The drink is driven by red fruit and the continuation of savory herbs, which play well with the nicely managed tannins and long juicy finish of raspberry and pomegranate. McClellan suggests enjoying his Carm within five years of the vintage.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 13.4%
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