100% Carménère from Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile.
SRP of $17 and available for as low as $15. Sample received courtesy Wines of Chile for review purposes.
From the bottle:
"This superb multi-dimensional wine is the result of our efforts to create the ultimate expression of Carménère. To do this, we focused on the two vital influences of soil and climate.
Soil: Mainly granitic sediment well-suited to the deeply penetrating roots of the Carménère vines. Shallower soil and steep slopes successfully moderate the vine's vigour, thus improving the concentration of the fruit.
Climate: Apalta is ideal for this variety, with a growing season of 29 to 33°C and mild night temperatures which deliver flavours of red fruits, with smoky, spicy, and earthy notes. This Carménère cements Apalta's reputation as an optimum winegrowing region.
14.0% Alcohol"
Today's wine comes from the oldest winery in Chile, founded in 1850. It was also the winery that rediscovered the Carménère grape in 1994, which helped to put Chilean wine on the map as having something really distinctive to offer.
The 2009 Carmen Gran Reserva Carménère begins with aromas of dark fruit, plum and lots of spice plus a little vanilla and smoke. The wine tastes of smoky fruit (primarily blackberry) and dense spice featuring prominent tannins and lots of oak. The wine is medium-full bodied and finishes with a little bit of sour red fruit that resolves into smoky, cigar box notes.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 6.5
Wines in the Tour of Chile Series
1) 2010 Emiliana Natura Carménère
2) 2008 Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Carménère
3) 2008 Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Carménère
4) 2008 Montes Alpha Carménère
5) 2009 Carmen Gran Reserva Carménère
6) 2009 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carménère
7) 2009 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carménère
8) 2007 Haras de Pirque Character
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