The Carabella vineyard shows its best stuff in 2004. Lovely aromas of fruit, cola, herb and cedar waft from the glass. Classic Pinot, elegant and complex right off the bat. Beautifully structured and harmonious, this wine is a lovely example of how the best Oregon wines straddle the line between the succulent fruit of California and the acid-driven structure of…
— P.G.
(4/1/2007)
The mysteriously named Inchinnan offers a flavorful mix of mint, berry, cherry, milk chocolate, Asian spice, cedar and cola. It’s harmonious, with subtle power and excellent length.
— P.G.
(3/1/2013)
Evocative aromas carry spice, plum, cherry and earth; while in the mouth the flavors expand to include red licorice, raspberry pie and a streak of butterscotch. Crafty winemaking, solid fruit, and a nice touch with the barrels and the blending (five clones are used) create a wine that is head and shoulders above most of the competition.
— P.G.
(4/1/2009)
Nicely crafted, with the crisp, focused flavors of the Dijon clone. The wine opens prettily with fragrant aromas of citrus rind. It’s concentrated and firm, a mix of lime, pineapple and citrus. French oak aged in a mix of neutral, used and new barrels, it wears its butterscotch lightly and goes out with a hint of resin. Very polished effort.
— P.G.
(4/1/2007)
Barrel-fermented in French oak, this expressive wine makes a compelling case, as do all the wines of Carabella and neighbor Chehalem, for this new Oregon AVA. Bright apple-flavored fruit is laced with plenty of buttery oak, oily nut flavors, sweet cream and spice, with the acid underpinnings to cut through any rich sauces.
— P.G.
(4/1/2009)
Hibiscus and honeysuckle scents highlight the bouquet, while the palate bears flavors of pears and spices, buoyed by natural acidity. Aging in 30% (neutral) barrels puts some extra flesh on its bones.
— P.G.
(3/1/2013)
This deceptive Pinot, from one of Oregon’s newly-coined AVAs, enters with light cranberry and strawberry flavors, but keeps piling on nuances. First it adds in some baking spice, hints of cardamom and caroway, then seems to gain in weight and strength as it sails across the palate. The fruit moves into layers of plum and sour cherry, and the toasty tannins add…
— P.G.
(2/1/2008)
Lush, full, forward, ripe and round fruit flavors of spiced plum and cherry pour from the glass. Rich, smooth and mouth coating, this instantly-accessible young Pinot finishes with pretty milk chocolate and light toast, a balanced and satisfying effort.
— P.G.
(6/1/2012)