Carmelita is 100% Pelio Vineyard, located next to Albatross Ridge and northwest of the Carmel Valley appellation of Monterey. At 1,000 feet and six miles from Monterey Bay, this site is truly on the edge of viticulture. Clay loam is littered with diatomaceous shale, evidence this area was under the sea until about 12 million years ago. While this shale (“Monterey chalk rock”) is often incorrectly mistaken for limestone, it does contribute similar characteristics to wine. It retains moisture but is also devigorating, and when placed in the cool climate of Laureles Grade, it creates wines that are both structured and lifted, embodying the quintessence of coastal class. Pelio is organically farmed.

Garnet red and medium bodied. Black cherry, pine forest, and bramble dominate the nose, while cola spice and espresso bean are framed by elegantl yet chalky tannins on the palate.

95 pts Wine Enthusiast