Parsonage 2006 Barrel Tasting Early Report July 16, 2007
2006 Parsonage Merlot Estate Carmel Valley
Again, the Merlot surprises me, with great depth and length making it a pleasure and something to look forward to. The color is dark and pure as are the flavors in this rich and seductive wine. The fruit is thick and creamy on the palate and there is a freshness that perks everything up. Black cherry, plum, cedar, red berry and savory vanilla all blend together seamlessly. 93-94 Points, grapelive
2006 Parsonage Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Carmel Valley
This is a powerful and intense wine with bold Cabernet flavors and youthful tannins, so with another 8-10 months in barrel comes as good thing. That said this is something that will come together into a wonderful wine, as the fruit here is deep and complex all ready. Lots of black fruits and creamy new oak will make this red a big winner on release. Patience will be rewarded here for sure. 92-93 Points, grapelive
2006 Parsonage Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Carmel Valley
I had heard from friends that this would blow my socks off, and I can tell you with out a doubt that was the case! This is a wildly exotic wine and will be something exceptional and maybe the odds on favorite to be the wine of the vintage around here. The color is shocking black purple and it has intense perfume even it this barrel sample. Now, honestly, it is a truth that a great wine begins a great wine and is always a great wine, and I can tell you right now this is a great wine. This Cabernet is pure and has that something extra that one usually finds in a 1983 Chateau Margaux or maybe a 1997 Caymus Special Select. There is a beautiful nature here and it drinks well even now, but don’t be fooled it isn’t a soft wine, as it has impressive tannins and vibrant acidity. Everything is just in harmony giving this red some real Zen. The amazing Cab has blackberry, Blueberry, cassis, currants and plumy fruits, with hints of tobacco and sweet smoky oak notes that linger on and on. 96-98 Points, grapelive
20006 Bixby Petit Verdot Reserve Carmel Valley
This is a sexy and spicy wine with subtle perfume and lush fruits that is still a little shy. There seems to be everything here and it should develop nicely and really fill out over the next year. By giving it some air really got things going, so I have no questions here at all, this is going to be a stunning and unique wine. They haven’t finished the final blend here and I hope the give it a little of that Merlot and maybe a dollop of the Cab to give it a little more pop. Blueberry, wild flowers and lush cherry fruit all come together early on the front of the palate and the finish is long and bright. 93-95 Points, grapelive
2006 Parsonage Syrah Estate Carmel Valley
This rich and sweet-fruited Syrah has the stuffing of years past, but it is really developing a certain terroir now, with unique flavors and style. This wine shows only the slightest hint of pepper, but has some savory sage and mineral notes to go with the full red fruits and crème de Cassis. This Syrah is just a baby now, but it has a certain class and gamey quality that hint at good things to come. 91-93 Points, grapelive
2006 Parsonage Syrah Carmelstone Reserve Carmel Valley
This one has it all, but it is tight and rock hard now with acidity and tannin galore to go with its powerful fruit. The black and blue fruits give great length and the sweet toasty oak is pleasurable though it must certainly get much better in the coming year in barrel. Overall I am convinced that it will develop into a fruit forward joy of a wine, just be giving it time. 90-93 Points, grapelive
2006 Parsonage Syrah Cuvee Rocco Reserve Carmel Valley
This wine is a stunner! Amazingly it is all ready a gem and will get even better, with complex and super rich fruit. The flavors are both clear and classic that does remind me of a wonderful Hermitage, maybe better! Blackberry, blueberry, cherry liqueur, grilled meat, mineral, spices and perfume all mix perfectly. This wine has exotic mint, lavender and vanilla too, though it takes some air to get it all out. This wine makes it tougher to pick a best of show for this Parsonage vintage! 94-96 Points, grapelive