Today I am tasting the 2008 Reserva Carmenere by Viu Manent from the Colchagua Vally in Chile. This wine is made of 100% Camenere varietal and is aged in oak for 11 months.
Color
Good rich dark purple in the glass.
Aroma
Plenty of blackberry and black currant on the nose. There is also some mint and oak too. But the fruit is really good.
Flavor
Sweet black plum on the attack. Followed up by some sweet cherries on the mid-palate. The finish is both interesting and awkward. Most of the fruit disappears and it becomes very dry. The tannins are good but the oak is a bit too much. There is a hint of blackberry on the attack and mid-palate. The alcohol at 14.5% shows through at the finish. A little time in the cellar and decanting will improve this wine. The awkward finish makes this a little tough on its own, but it will pair really well with beef tenderloin.
Rating
If you can find this wine for under $10, I recommend trying it. Above that price and I’d look for a Carmenere with more body and less alcohol. I rate this wine 86 points.
Have you tried it? What notes did you get?
