Carter Cellars Hossfeld Coliseum Red Blend 2019
Tasting Notes
Deep bright red colors are met by aromas of black cherries, crushed rocked and loads of fruit. The natural acidity derived from the vineyard coupled with a concentrated extraction, frames an amazing midpalate that highlights juicy dark fruits, cocoa and exotic spices. The silky and balanced finish is wrapped in ripe, lush tannins that showcase the best traits of a Merlot and Cabernet blend from Napa.
"A ripe, more open-knit wine, the 2019 Hossfeld Coliseum Red Blend has beautiful red and black currant fruits as well as chocolate, toasted bread, and spicy aromas and flavors. Up-front and medium to full-bodied, it's already hard to resist and will be firing on all cylinders right out of the gate."
96-94 Points ~ Jeb Dunnuck (barrel sample)
Map of the Coliseum Vineyard
The History of the Coliseum Vineyard
Twenty years ago people thought Henry Hossfeld was crazy because of the slope and the solid rock he was trying to grow vines on in the south-eastern Napa hills in an area known as Soda Canyon. In fact, at planting, each vine hole was fractured into the terraces with a stick of dynamite. This dramatic site, steep and terraced like a Roman Coliseum has distinctive volcanic and chalky soils and as such, the resulting fruit is also quite distinctive; structured graphite and herbal scented, compelling flavors. Today, we reap wines with massive fruit extraction, inky dark color, and powerful tannins.
