I’m a fan of Chile’s Carménère, the grape previously mistaken for Merlot until DNA tasting showed it was the rare Bordeaux variety. Deep ruby colour, the wine has a smoky, cedary, blackberry nose with hints of vanilla oak and pencil lead. It’s mouth-filling with sweet blackcurrant and plum flavours, soft tannins and bright acidity; it also has an intriguing coffee note on the finish.
Earthy ripe plum scent with a slightly funky barnyard note that dissipates on the palate, leaving attractive ripe red cherry fruit and background blackberry. Well balanced, with just enough tannic grip. Easy drinking and excellent value.
Clear deep garnet. Aromas of cherry, black liquorice, eucalyptus, pepper and prunes, all with a thin coat of old varnish. Medium-bodied with strong structure of acidity and tannins. Cherry and blueberry fruit with some medicinal and green elements. Noticeable alcohol at 14.5%. Ready to drink now.
Fragrant, enticingly ripe strawberry, vanilla and cinnamon express generous new-world style. Cherry-like flavours kick in on the palate together with a splash of milk chocolate. Well structured and balanced, with deftly integrated fruit and subtle oak on the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Carménère. Co-production with Antinori. Simply one of the best red wines to come out of Chile. Dense ruby-purple in colour with a nose of tobacco, cedar, toast and creamy blackcurrant with dark chocolate notes. Full-bodied with a rich mouthfeel and balancing acidity. Very youthful. Comes on like a First Growth Bordeaux.
Clear, deep plum-red. A nose reminiscent of Bordeaux, with cassis, raspberry and lots of oak and smoke from well-toasted barrels. Medium-bodied. Old-world structure with new-world fruit: raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant flavours. Will improve for another couple of years at least.
Almost water-white in colour, this zesty Sauvignon offers a nose of kiwi and green pepper. It’s medium-bodied and crisply dry with tart green plum and citrus flavours. An ideal seafood wine.