Our Take: The 2022 Los Parajes Carignane is beefy and brooding, with blackberry compote up front, followed by earthy notes, a touch of game, and a rustic, almost meaty character. The fruit leans a little overripe and jammy, but there’s a subtle freshness underneath that keeps it from feeling heavy. Dark, savory, and full of character, with just enough lift to keep you coming back.

91 points Vinous Media
Drinking window: 2025 - 2030
The 2022 Carignane Los Parajes offers up crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint and dried herbs. Aromatic and medium in body, the Parajes is a charming Carignane to drink now and over the next handful of years.

There are a ton of highlights in these new releases from Mike Schieffer and Kara Maraden. The 2023 reds in particular show just how special this vintage is in the right spots, for example, Lodi and Contra Costa, where typically warm microclimates fared especially well in a cool vintage. Carignane, Grenache, Mataro and Syrah all shine in this range. I was also intrigued by the Chenin Blanc from Chalone, one of the truly great vineyards in the United States, and the Sémillon from Bedrock Vineyard. Readers will find wines that are all about capturing the essence of variety, site and vintage. - Galloni January 2025