2006 Carter Cabernet Sauvignon Hossfeld Coliseum

The only 2006 that seems austere is the elegant 2006 Hossfeld Coliseum Proprietary Red. A dark ruby/plum-hued offering, it reveals sweet red and black fruit characteristics intermixed with notes of crushed rocks and floral undertones. With noticeable tannin, and moderate concentration, I would opt for drinking this 2006 over the next 10-12 years. Carter Cellars is a relatively new operation (it began in the late 1990s) run by Mark Carter and Nils Venge. The wines are made at Venge’s Saddleback Cellars in Oakville with some assistance from Fred Schrader. They have some interesting vineyard sources, including the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, the Truchard Vineyard in Carneros, the Revilo Vineyard in St. Helena, and the Coliseum Block in Soda Canyon. Tel. (707) 445-0311; Fax (707) 444-8067