Meli Carignan

I love to try different wines.  And this is one of those wines that isn’t totally off the wall, but it’s something you don’t come across every day.

If you’ve ever had a Cotes du Rhone there’s a chance you’ve tasted carignan, but it’s probably less likely that you’ve tasted a wine that is 100% carignan.

This is actually the second vintage of this wine I’ve tasted.  Last year I reviewed the 2010 Meli Carignan.  As I noted in that review, carignan from young vines can be rather astringent.  But the grapes in this wine come from vines that are 60+ years old.

The 2011 vintage brings a bit more spice and floral aromatics than the 2010.  And it’s consistent in overall enjoyability.

Flower, fruit and spice aromatics make the nose of this wine interesting and enjoyable, offering aromas such as violet, black cherry, plum and coffee.  The palate is well balanced and has good fruit flavors such as blackberry, raspberry and plum with a touch of spice.  The acidity is good and the tannins are subtle but give a touch of texture to the mouth feel.  The finish is medium in length and features cherry and raspberry flavors.

Wine: Meli
Variety: Carignan
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 86
Price: $15.00

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.