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Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane (Sonoma County) 2001

An old vine blend of 99% carignane and 1% zinfandel. Why bother with 1% zin, you ask? I wondered the same thing, but Paul Draper knows a lot more about winemaking than either one of us does, so let's just move on, shall we? A rather deep purple shading out to ruby-red at the rim. Is there the slightest touch of brick on the outermost rim? Maybe. A very modest nose suggesting only some generic berry. In contrast, the palate is intensely flavored of chocolate covered cherries with a vegetal overtone to the finish. Marked acidity (very puckery). The alcohol (14.3%) stands out on the finish, as well, making the finish a bit hot and rustic. I find carignane a modest wine with much to be modest about, but this is a very passable mid-week wine. Lacks the stuffing for the cellar, so drink up. BTW, this is one of Ridge's Advance Tasting Program wines. It's a great club for lovers of zinfandel and, increasingly, Rhone-style wines. The ATP wines generally aren't available in stores, but are sold only through the club. Grade: B-