Carina Cellars is the result of an avid wine collector with a dream who meets an accomplished winemaker with a vision. When attorney and businessman David Hardee and winemaker Joey Tensley met in 2002, they were quick to recognize the benefits of combining their passion. With Hardee’s talent for business, Tensley’s talent for wine making, and a shared belief in only the best, Carina Cellars was born.

Working solely with vineyards who share our farming philosophies, Joey and David sought to create wines that exemplify varietal flavors and terroir above all else. 

Recently, our tasting panel reviewed a few of their wines.

  

Grape(s): Syrah & Viognier

Winery: Carina Cellars

Region: Santa Barbara

Year: 2007

Special Designation: 7 Percent

Price: 30-35

Review:

Aromas of blackberries,cherries, and raspberries are accented by suggestions of orange blossoms and black licorice on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry combine with notes of orange marmalade, chocolate, fennel seed, as well as a few floral suggestions on the palate. Fans of rich fruit flavors who don’t mind the pizzazz of layered, floral accents will really enjoy this wine. Certainly not a typical wine, try it with a teriyaki burger.

Rating: 90

Character: lush fruit, floral, balanced tannins, supple mouthfeel

Farming Certification: (none)

 

Grape(s): Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre

Winery: Carina Cellars

Region: Santa Barbara

Year: 2007

Special Designation: Clairvoyant

Price: 20-25

Review:

Lovely aromas of cherries, strawberries, and dried cranberries blend with suggestions of mocha and pepper. The palate is dominated by flavors of pomegranate and bing cherry, complicated by notes of espresso and pepper. Bright and layered with flavors, it’s a very good food wine. Try a bottle with your favorite hearty chicken or pork dishes.

Rating: 90

Character: red fruit, balanced tannins, supple mouthfeel

Farming Certification: (none)

 

Grape(s): Viognier

Winery: Carina Cellars

Region: Santa Barbara

Year: 2010

Special Designation: (none)

Price: 20-25

Review:

Swirl a glass and take in the layered aromas of tropical and citrus fruits, accented by floral highlights and perfume. A sip reveals flavors of apricot, pineapple, a few nutty suggestions, and notes of honeysuckle. A nicely balanced wine, that’s very approachable, fans of lush, floral whites will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 88

Character: Lush fruit, floral, Balanced acidity, Slightly creamy mouthfeel

Farming Certification: (none)