Makers of one of the best Rose wines you will find, Red Car has a stunning lineup. If you want to have tasting room staff talk endlessly about themselves, then visit their Russian River Valley tasting room. Otherwise seek these great wines out elsewhere or on their website. Seriously, our tasting room guy was talking about how one of the Pinot Noir releases reminded him of the velvet curtain at his favorite artist’s house. My colleague and I politely rolled our eyes at one another.
As for the wines, they are seriously good. As mentioned, this new release Rose (WWB, 92) is worth seeking out as it is shows wonderful intensity and a silky mouthfeel. Seriously delicious, with a wonderful tension is the 2014 Red Car ‘Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which shows wonderful red fruits and a great saline streak. Look for these wines at https://redcarwine.com
2016 Red Car Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes this great wine begins with aromas of rose petals, red cherry and suggestions of red raspberry. The palate is lithe showing flavors of red cherry, guava and strawberry. You have to love the brightness and silky texture to this great Rose. Drink 2017-2022- 92
2014 Red Car 'Manchester Ridge' Chardonnay- This small production wine is sourced from Mendocino County set at 2,000 feet. The wine begins with bright aromatics of Pazzaz apple, vanilla cream and hazelnuts. This leads to flavors of red delicious apple and vanilla cream. The minerality of this wine is gorgeous. Drink 2017-2026- 92
2014 Red Car 'Manchester Ridge' Pinot Noir- This excellent Pinot Noir wine begins with aromatics of red cherry, rose petals and red raspberry with teaberry accents. The palate is lithe showcasing red fruit flavors and spicebox elements. Drink 2017-2027- 91
2014 Red Car 'Estate Vineyard' Pinot Noir- The Estate Vineyard is located in the Fort-Ross AVA which was planted in 2005. The wine opens with a ripe bouquet of Asian spices, ash, red cherry and red raspberry. This leads to flavors of red cherry, pomegranate seed, and blood orange. This has wonderful texture and minerality, as well as salinity. This wine will age gracefully for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2012 Red Car 'Estate Vineyard' Syrah- This limited production wine begins with aromas of smoke, black tea and black olive aromatics. The salinity of the wine is lovely. Black olive tapenade, pipe tobacco and black tea flavors impress alongside lovely minerality. You have to admire the terroir here. Drink 2017-2027- 92
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