Carnala

The 2024 Carnala was born from the rugged beauty of our CCOF Certified Organic Thibido Vineyard nestled in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles where steep hillsides, coastal breezes, and limestone soils cultivate bold and balanced fruit. A lively blend of 54% Carignan, 18% Grenache, 17% Zinfandel, 9% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre. Leading with Carignan is a unique choice that can only be done when the Carignan fruit is meticulously farmed. The beauty of Carignan is often undiscovered as it is a variety typically buried in wines as a blending grape. Carignan is bright and brings natural acidity, aromatic lift, and freshness along with red fruit qualities like cherry and cranberry enhanced by a wild herbal edge. Every grape blended alongside the Carignan serves an important role in this vibrant, fun wine. Grenache rounds out the mid-palate while adding strawberry notes. Zinfandel adds spice and juicy fruit qualities that add to its approachability. The Syrah adds a little backbone and more color and tannin while the Mourvèdre adds more structure and savory notes. Using a minimalist approach to allow the pristinely grown fruit to shine, each individual grape varietal was harvested separately, fermented using native yeasts in open-top vessels, and enjoyed gentle hand punch-downs performed daily. Basket pressed and aged in both new and neutral French oak, this assists in preserving the integrity and character of the fruit. After nine months in barrel, Josh blended the Carnala 2024 and then the wine was settled into barrels once more to harmonize as one cohesive blend for another nine months. This thoughtful, minimal intervention approach highlights both the character of the vineyard and the balance of the blend. Carnala 2024 offers a sense of place in the glass, a taste of our dynamic Thibido Vineyard.