One of three vineyard-designated Carménère wines by Cuda Ridge, the Insel Vineyard Carménère was aged for 18 months in French oak (50% new). Wow—are we in Chile or the Livermore Valley? You might be just as confused when you nose this super meaty red, packed with licorice and black olive overtones, black cherry and blackberry fruit, and classic cigar box and cedar nuances. Juicy blue fruit compote leads the way to iron-laced tannins—firm, yet soft and satiny at the edges. Layers of loamy earth, pressed wildflowers, dried violets, and lavender round out this complex and compelling red.