Espiritu de Chile Classic Carménère

Espiritu de Chile is a joint venture between A. Racke from Germany and Aresti Vineyards in Chile. And while they have a long list of awards, accolades and good reviews from well-respected reviewers I don’t expect they’ll be adding the 2007 Classic Carménère to that list.  I guess not all the wines I review can be stellar.

Espiritu de Chile produces two tiers of wine: Classic and Gran Reserva.  Classic being the lower priced tier, and the only one I’ve tasted.

This Carménère has an intense green pepper aroma on the nose, which is indicative of under-ripe grapes.  I don’t mind a little of this aroma—in fact I think a little bit makes a wine interesting—but it’s too intense on this one.  There’s also quite a bit of smoky oak and dark berries on the nose.  The flavors are mostly blackberry, plum and a touch of coffee.  The finish tastes like green pepper.  It’s still a drinkable wine, but not ideal.

Wine: Espiritu de Chile Classic Carménère
Variety: Carménère
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 81
Price: $10.00

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.