Zinfandel and Carignan Research

[Randy Caparoso]

A belated Happy 60th to you, Curmudgeon. After posting, it occurred to me that the most recent good Carignane that I've tasted is the '96 Pellegrini Family "Old Vines" (retailing between just $12 and $14). My notes show that these are from 50-60 year old head pruned vines grown at the Cloverdale Ranch, and aged in old French and American oak; powerful, cinnamon stick spiced red cherry aroma, medium full, generous, yet surprisingly well rounded, pliant flavors. A little simple for my taste, perhaps, but certainly classy by any standard.