Item #: 1205100 Chilean Carmenère/Cabernet Sauvignon (January 2008 Release) $123.99 The Region: Chile is one of the oldest ‘new world’ winegrowing regions, with its first vintage planted by the Spanish in the 16th century. Winexpert’s Carmenère comes from the Maipo Valley, Chile’s most famous growing area located just south of the capital of Santiago. The Wine: Similar to Merlot, Carmenère is a synonym for brilliant red, ‘carmine’. Blended with the King of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, it produces exceptionally powerful, rich red wines of great length and structure. Deep crimson red colour with luscious fruit aromas of plums and blueberry, a touch of chocolate and hints of coffee and toasty oak. On the palate, notes of red fruit, dark plums, damsons and spice, generously framed by toasty oak with a soft and well structured mouthfilling texture, velvety on the tongue with very supple tannins. The Food: Excellent with lighter meat dishes or sausages, smoked meats liver pâtés and is brilliant with roast duck. Ageing: Robust, tannic and structured in its youth, this wine will require at least a year to open up and show its rich red fruit, and after two to three years will beguile with its smokey, velvety finish and spicy berry flavours. Sweetness Code: 0 (dry)