“Half of an interesting ‘experiment’ of two vineyards, about 40 miles apart, but with different soils, climate, and elevation but all other variables essentially the same. While the Andes version of the wine tended to be a bit vegetal, this is much more fruit-forward. Big and rich with dark fruit (blackberry, plum, cassis), plenty of spice (black pepper). While I know that many, particularly in the US, see a vegetal note as an element to avoid, I have to say I like it. That is not to take anything away from this wine, though, as it is excellent as well.” 

“Distinctive notes of cool herbs here with a gently smoky and leafy edge. The palate follows suit with bright, blue-fruit flavors and a streak of savory, smoked-meat flavors.”

“The only oaky wine from this group, the 2017 Carmenere CA2 Costa was produced with grapes from the coastal part of Colchagua from a warm and dry year. It’s a riper wine that shows abundant tannins and oak-related flavors and has a dry finish.”

“For years much Chilean ‘Merlot’ was actually Carménère, and the variety has gone on to become something of a major selling point. The widely-available $8 Reserva from Casillero del Diablo is a good mid-week introduction, but if you want to see how good the grape can be in Chile, this is magnificent: sage and thyme wrapped in silky plum fruit, it’s complex but not overworked.”

“Yes that’s right: CA2. After the treat of comparing vintages of the same wine side-by-side, we also compared the wine from that mountainside vineyard of the CA1 with the coastal Lolol vineyard for the CA2. Both vineyards are within the Colchagua Valley, but situated in very different soils and climates. For example, the vines of the CA2’s carmenere grapes need watering every week, while the CA1’s only need two to three waterings per season.” 

“100% Carmenere from the Lolol Vineyard in Colchagua Valley. This vineyard is 40 kilometers from the ocean. The soil consists of granitic mixed with clay and loam, low fertility. Mediterranean climate with coastal influence. The wine aged in 85% new and twice used French oak barrels and 15% in untoasted foundres for 14 months and 12 months in the bottle before being released. This is an elegant and fruity Carmenere. Lots of black fruit, soft minerality, notable tannins and a hint of anise on the finish.” 

“Dense ruby in the glass with aromas of red fruit, cedar and dried herbs. Red berry fruit, blackberries, dusty earth and gravelly minerality are supported by lively acidity and gauzy tannins in a medium body.” 

“As the name implies, this wine is from a vineyard 60km towards the coast from where the CA1 is grown. Once again the color and density would suggest a wine of heft and intensity, while the green vegetable and herbed aromatics offer a contrasting clue as to what will follow. Turns out neither of these clues is misleading. On the palate, the pyrazine volume level is cranked up, but also matched by the size of the firm fruit. Big, but poised and in possession of a full spectrum of complex crushed flowers and herbs, and even a subtle mountainside smoke. Would love to meet this wine again in five years.”