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Carter Cellars
“These are impressive efforts from proprietor Mark Carter.”
– Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #192
Winery
A well-known critic once described Carter wines as “swoon inducing.” While they are not sure exactly where this quality originates-perhaps in the earth and sun of their low yield vineyards, or in the touch of their masterful winemakers -whatever it is that gives Carter Cellars wines the ability to stir the passions and overwhelm the senses. Each wine crafted displays that certain characteristic of power and balance, intensity matched with grace, that has become a signature of the Carter Cellars marquis.
Carter Cellars first vintage was in 1998, when Mark Carter and partner Nils Venge, the superstar winemaker responsible for receiving the first “perfect score” from Robert Parker for a domestic wine while at Groth in 1985, set out on their quest for perfection by sourcing grapes from the steeply terraced Coliseum Block of the Hossfeld Vineyard. In continuing to source wine from top Napa vineyards, they made a svelte Fortuna Block Cabernet from the ancient red volcanic soils of the Fortuna Vineyard in 1999. In 2000, Carter Cellars began a long and deeply rewarding relationship with the most iconic vineyard in the western hemisphere: the Beckstoffer portion of the original To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. Thus began the rise of the famed and highly-rated Carter Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet, a wine that to this day continues to receive top scores from critics worldwide.
In 2001, Carter Cellars deviated from solely making large and powerful Cabernet when they acquired Merlot fruit from the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros. This vineyard has varied soils and a marine-influenced climate which makes the ripe and rounded fruit which goes into our lush and ultra-premium Merlot. In 2004, Carter Cellars expanded again when they began sourcing Cabernet fruit from the Revilo Vineyard in St. Helena, right next door to some of the highest-rated Napa Cabernet, and farmed by Reg Oliver of El Molino. The Revilo Vineyard fruit makes for large and austere Cabernet with incredibly smooth tannins that benefit from some bottle age and will greatly reward those with the patience for fine wines.
Mark and Nils began looking for a permanent home for Carter Cellars and for a small Napa Winery at which they could produce wines from estate-grown fruit. In 2006, they founded Envy Winery on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga. This 17-acre property has come to specialize in estate-grown Merlot, Cabernet and Petite Sirah and would become the new home of Carter Cellars. In 2006, Carter Cellars expanded again. Still with extremely low case production they made the Hossfeld Red Blend also from the Hossfeld Vineyard in Soda Canyon. This predominately Merlot blend contains Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot and is modeled on one of Mark’s Favorites: Chateau Petrus with a uniquely Californian side.
Carter Cellars’ winemaking begins with the best grapes from world-renowned vineyard sources. The cultivation of these grapes is an arduous process which includes limiting vine yields, beneficial trellising techniques, integrating pest management in the vineyard and harvesting completely by hand. All of this ensures that the grapes we use are optimal for creating our limited-production, high-quality wines. Our practices in the winery are just as exacting. First the small lots of grapes brought into the winery are hand sorted to remove any that are not up to our exacting standards. Next the grapes are pressed gently to extract the pure juice from the perfectly ripe grapes while leaving behind any bitter oils and harsh tannins contained in the seeds or skins. After fermentation the wines are stored in new French-aak barrels for twenty-two months. The winemaking consists of as little intervention as possible, limiting the addition of sulfur and refining the wine through gravity. The wines are allowed to mature and fully integrate with the new oak creating a product that is true to its varietal character and sense of place while having the structure and complexity to age and give pleasure for many years.
Visit the winery at www.cartercellars.com
Wines
Carter Cellars Coliseum Block 2008
The steep and winding rows from the Hossfeld Coliseum block created another stunning Cabernet Sauvignon for us in 2008. A bright and expansive nose delivers a rush of red and dark fruits with notes of spice, cigar box and espresso notes. Well balanced but also buttressed by perfectly ripe large scaled tannins, the palate is a cascade of blue fruits, subtle French oak overtones and earthiness that makes this wine reminiscent of a first growth Bordeaux. This wine is all about an elegant delivery of flavors combined with an impressive length in the finish which echoes the above flavor profiles. While it’s a strong candidate for the cellars a short decant will make this exuberant wine pleasurable in its youth.
The sensational 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Coliseum Block boasts a dense purple color as well as creamy blackberry, cassis, floral and subtle smoke notes. Full-bodied, opulent and rich, it has more in common with a 2007 than expected. Drink this exuberant, flamboyant Cabernet over the next 15+ years.
94 points, Wine Advocate, December 2010
Bright medium ruby. Pungent minerality lifts aromas of cassis, licorice, flowers and bitter chocolate. Sweet, lush and penetrating; briary, inky and youthfully aggressive in a distinctly mountain way. This full-bodied cabernet has the depth of fruit to stand up to its structure, but lay it down for at least a few years.
91+ points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
This Cabernet comes from the Soda Canyon region of Napa Valley, which is a cool area in the Vaca Mountains, northeast of the city of Napa that is not an official appellation. The wine shows excellent structure, with firm tannins and a bite of acidity, and is very dry. The pure Cabernet flavors are of blackberries, cherries, cassis and green olives, with a kiss of oak. Seems like a wine to put away in the cellar.
92 points, Wine Enthusiast
Delightfully complex flavors of roasted herb, toasty oak, dried herb, currant, roasted coffee, lead pencil and savory berry are full-bodied, intense and focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2022.—J.L.
94 points, Wine Spectator, August 2011
label / tech sheet / shelf talker
Carter Cellars Coliseum Block 2009
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Coliseum Block is a big wine endowed with considerable richness and structure in its dark black fruit, flowers, minerals and spices. It shows fabulous intensity and drive through to the energetic finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
93 Points, Wine Advocate, Dec 2011
(80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot): Full ruby. Slightly reduced, medicinal nose hints at primary berries, licorice and minerals. Then sweet and thick in the mouth, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry and licorice complicated by a gamey nuance. Slightly bitter on the end, but the clenched tannins arrive late. This very persistent wine needs a racking.
90-92 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
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Carter Cellars Hossfeld Coliseum Blend 2008
Sitting on the top section of the Hossfeld vineyard site is a small piece of Merlot planted on fractional rock outcroppings with very shallow soil. The fruit produced from these vines produces quite possibly the best mountainside Merlot in the southern Napa Valley. The addition of 2 barrels of Hossfeld Coliseum Cabernet Sauvignon make this blend stand out more than just the Merlot on its own, creating an intoxicating blend. A graceful nose containing blueberries, crème de cassis and milk chocolate soars from the glass and greets the senses. These notes are carried through the mid palate where they are wrapped in velvety tannins and a smooth rich delivery. While lighter in texture then the Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard, a sense of power is achieved through deft extraction from the pea size berries these vines produce. For the curious this wine will drink well young but will hit its stride in 3-5 years.
The 2008 Hossfeld Coliseum (a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a deep ruby/purple color along with dense black currant fruit intermixed with well-integrated sweet oak, licorice and spring flower notes. This complete, full-bodied, impressively endowed 2008 can be enjoyed over the next 10+ years.
91 points, Wine Advocate, December 2010
(an 80/20 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, aged entirely in French oak, 80% new): Bright ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines black cherry, crushed rock, violet and clove oil. Quite sweet and seamless, but with its lush texture supported by tannic grip and a distinctly rocky quality that reminded me of limestone. Nicely dense, juicy wine with a rather bracing finish.
91 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
label / tech sheet / shelf talker
Carter Cellars Hossfeld Coliseum Blend 2009
The 2009 Red Blend Hossfeld Coliseum (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot) shows tons of richness and textural depth in a highly representative expression of the house style. Mocha, espresso, plums, spices and new leather come together beautifully in this opulent, seamless wine. Violets, jasmine and cassis wrap around the generous finish in this gorgeous, supple, finessed wine. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021.
92 Points, Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011
(80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon): Bright medium ruby. High-pitched aromas of blueberry, minerals, violet, licorice and bitter chocolate. Supple and sweet but clenched, with a firm spine of acidity dominating the dark berry, mint and menthol flavors. A distinctly serious merlot that finishes with chewy, slightly drying tannins.
89-92 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
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Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Revilo Vineyard 2008
This vineyard sits within a stone’s throw of some very well known St. Helena vineyards and it shows why with an immediate attack of the senses. A dark ruby color leads a nose that is full and rich with dark fruit galore soaring from the glass alongside a slight earthiness and hints of pie crust. On the palate the above notes are covered in a velvety texture and subtle oak overtones from fine French barrels. Full bodied and muscular but amazingly fine tannins glide the fruit, spice and leather undertones through a powerful rich finish that last for minutes. Definitely a candidate for the cellars – look for this wine to smooth out and integrate within 2-3 years and provide immense pleasure for 10 years and beyond.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Revilo Vineyard exhibits a floral/spring flower garden-like character in addition to sweet blueberry and black currant fruit, ripe tannin, medium to full body and a precocious, upfront appeal that makes it irresistible already. There is enough stuffing for 10-15 years of cellaring.
92 points, Wine Advocate, December 2010
Very ripe and forward in the fruit, this Cabernet floods the mouth with cherry fruit flavors, liberally enhanced with the sweet vanilla and toast of oak barrel aging. The tannins are strong but finely ground. Appeals now for sheer beauty.
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
Very ripe and forward in the fruit, this Cabernet floods the mouth with cherry fruit flavors, liberally enhanced with the sweet vanilla and toast of oak barrel aging. The tannins are strong but finely ground. Appeals now for sheer beauty.
89+ points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
Tight and unevolved, yet displaying many attractive trait, from the mix of smoky, toasty, cedary oak to the core of pure, ripe currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit. Firm and full bodied, with fine structure and depth, ending with a roasted espresso bean aftertaste. Drink now through 2022.-JL
94 points, Spectator, August 2011
label / shelf talker
Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2008
The 2008 vintage produced another stunning rendition from the famed Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard. Rich scents of plums and other dark fruits, hints of cocoa dark chocolate and dried herbs leap from the glass. Stunningly pure and ripe fruit proceeds to glide effortlessly on the palate and expand into a plush mouthful of blueberries, spice and leather. As expected these notes are carried through the mid palate and surrounded by a glycerol mouth feel that has to be tasted to be believed. As in past renditions of this wine for us, the concentration level reaches amazing heights and is framed perfectly with tannins that will allow this wine to age gracefully for 10 years and beyond.
A ripe, juicy style, with graceful plum, black cherry and wild berry fruit that’s supple and layered. Medium- to full-bodied, this is slow to pick up weight, but should only get better from here. Best from 2012 through 2022.
92 points, Wine Spectator, September, 2011
Good full ruby. Very precise aromas and flavors of cassis, minerals and spices. Large-scaled, chewy and deep, offering uncanny generosity and lushness for the vintage without coming across as heavy. In fact, this is quite elegant. Most impressive today on the very long, slowly building finish, which features suave tannins and complex hints of bitter chocolate, mocha, menthol and minerals. A worthy successor to the superb 2007.
93 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
“From a blueblood, first-growth vineyard, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon reveals an unmistakable “Paulliac in Napa” style. Blueberry, black currant, cedarwood, Christmas fruitcake, spice and licorice characteristics are present in this thick, juicy, concentrated Cabernet. It is another outstanding effort exhibiting elegance, power and richness. Enjoy it over the next 15 years”
92+ points, Wine Advocate
Class shows in this dry, tannic, elegantly structured Cabernet. The pedigree of its terroir shows in the perfectly smooth tannins and overall balance. Flavors of blackberries and black currants perfectly mix with new French oak. the vintage was not Napa’s finest, and the wine is just a bit short, but extraordinarily refined.
93 points, Wine Enthusiast
label / shelf talker
Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2009
Pure, rich and beautifully crafted, with dense, polished flavors of black fruits, mineral, loamy earth, spice, mocha, bay leaf and espresso, yet for all its size and dimensions, this glides along gracefully and gains momentum on the finish. Drink now through 2024.
95 points, Wine Spectator Insider, February 2012
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as tight and inward at this stage. It offers up black fruit, minerals, grilled herbs and cassis, all wrapped around a powerful, intense frame. The tannins are quite firm and may need time in the cellar to soften. The Carter To Kalon is made from Block B, a parcel planted with the 337 clone that usually yields finessed, silky, aromatic Cabernets. This is one of the darker, more powerful wines from this part of the vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
92 Points, Wine Advocate, Dec 2011
Bright medium ruby. Very primary aromas of crushed dark berries, violet and minerals. Thick but bright, with lovely definition and spicy lift to the mineral-driven dark fruit flavors. Finishes strong and vibrant. Aging in all new Taransaud and Darnajou barrels. Strong potential here. (Incidentally, there will be another 2009 cabernet from To Kalon fruit, this one from Clone 4. My sample, which I rated 91-93, showed a bit more mid-palate pliancy but also plenty of acidity and thrust. It was slightly less powerful than the Clone 337 but seductively fine-grained, and more chocolatey on the finish. These two clonal selections will likely be bottled with different proprietary names.)
91-94 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
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Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon ‘The Grand Daddy’ 2009
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Grand Daddy is quite a bit richer and deeper, with more tannins than the regular To Kalon bottling, most of which can be attributed to the old clone 4 vines in this part of the vineyard, known as Block A2. Tar, licorice and smoke are some of the nuances that frame the finish. This tannic Cabernet Sauvignon is long on power, but finesse and character prove to be more elusive. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
92 Points, Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011
Carter Cellars Merlot Truchard Vineyard 2008
Heralding from the famous Truchard vineyard in Carneros (Napa side), this old vine head trained Merlot reaches levels of concentration not normally found from this region. Crystallized dark raspberry fruit intermixed with baking spices and hints of saddle leather form a base of flavors that are wrapped in a velvet glove of tannin and concentration. The mid palate of this wine is its signature. Pure notes of red currants and a slight earthiness give way to a rush of vibrant acidity that frames the mouth from the entry to the finish. True to its varietal, there is not any astringency to be found on the finish which travels effortlessly over the palate carrying chocolate covered cherry notes and a slight white pepper component into a mile long finish. This wine will benefit from a few years in the cellars but who can wait when it’s this approachable in its youth
Offers pinpoint focus and complexity, with aromas of currant and toasty cedar that lead to concentrated flavors of plum, espresso, and river stone. The tannins are big and tight, but ripe.
92 Points, Wine Spectator, November 2011
Captivating perfume of black cherry, flowers, licorice and clove, with some intriguing soil tones. Lush, layered and sweet, with solid structure to support the cherry, licorice and menthol flavors. A chewy, seamless mouthful of merlot. Finishes with broad, ripe tannins and lovely savory length. Mark Carter noted that this merlot is harvested very late.
91 points, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
A beautiful Merlot that shows how well this variety grows in a great vineyard on the Napa side of the Carneros appellation. It’s rich and complex in cherry, spice, and oak flavors, with an umami taste of cured meat, and the tannins are rich and firm. The wine shows the crisp, mouthwatering acidity of Carneros, especially in this cool vintage.
92 points, Wine Enthusiast, August 2011
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Carter Cellars Merlot Truchard Vineyard 2009
The 2009 Merlot Truchard Vineyard is a dark, brooding wine imbued with blackberry jam, cassis, grilled herbs and flowers. This supple, perfumed Merlot offers terrific balance and plenty of style. This is an intense style, but it works. The Merlot spent 18 months in new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021.
90 Points, Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011
Table 5 Napa Valley Red 2008
Table 5 is a food friendly blend pairing perfectly with rich pastas, steaks and braised meats. The color is dark, deep purple and opaque with a nose of raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. The fruit follows through on the palate accompanied by chocolate, ripe black currant and the subtle toast of French oak. All of this is buttressed by firm tannins that provide a long and ethereal finish.
90 points, Wine Enthusiast, October 2011
label / tech sheet / shelf talker
Table 5 Napa Valley Red 2009
The 2009 Table 5 is a blend of Cabernet, Malbec, Merlot and Petite Verdot. Dark blackberries, blueberries, flowers, mint and spices are some of the notes that emerge from this juicy, super-ripe wine. Some hard edges remain, but this is otherwise a fine entry-level wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.
89 Points, Wine Advocate, Dec 2011