
When it comes to the Platinum Awards, Brian Carter’s most decorated wine is his Rhône-inspired red — and the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape continue to drive his style. This GSM-ish blend of Grenache (53%), Syrah (20%), Mourvèdre (16%), Cinsaut (6%) and Counoise from the 2020 vintage delivered a Platinum for the eighth time. Lonesome Spring Ranch west of Red Mountain has been his breadbasket for Grenache, allowing him to build the aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black pepper, oregano and olive. There’s jamminess to the palate of red fruit and burnt caramel, and the plush tannins receive a yummy and finishing push of Rainier cherry. Carter suggests serving it with duck breast in a cherry sauce. Qualifying awards: Savor NW (double gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 90 points
Production: 474 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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