The wine is deep purple-red in color, typical of this variety. Blackberry aromas are underscored by subtle notes of leather and mint. On the palate, the wine tastes of blueberries and licorice, with hints of toast, cedar, and dry leaves. There is minerality in the rich, mouth-filling texture, and a soft, long finish.
In the Vineyard
This 2005 (oops) Carmenère Merlot was sourced from eight different vineyards in two distinctive regions of Chile’s Valle Central, primarily in Curicó and Maule. Vertical trellising with intense canopy and fruit-load management was used to develop intense color and flavor in the fruit.
Winemaking Profile
The winemakers were able to orchestrate a double harvest; one for Merlot and later, one for Carmenère – again an illustration of how much handwork goes into these wines. The lots are macerated and fermented separately to retain their individual varietal characters and to achieve the desired level of color and flavor. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks, with 50% of the blend aged in French and American oak.
Food Pairing
This is a rich and intense wine, delicious with grilled, braised, or roasted red meats, grilled or roasted vegetables, and tomato-sauced pastas
| Varietal Content | 70% Carmenère, 30% Merlot |
| Grape Source | Valle Central (mostly Curicó and Maule) |
| Alcohol | 13.5% |
| pH | 3.77 |
| Titratable Acidity | 4.7 g/L |
| Residual Sugar | 2.6 g/L |
| Suggested Retail Price | $12 |