Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carmenere

While it certainly isn’t the first Carmenere I’ve tasted, this is the first one I’ve reviewed on this site.  It’s always exciting to add another variety to the navigation. Woo hoo!

Santa Carolina is an old producer with a long history in Chile, and yet in a way it’s a young brand as well.  It was founded in 1875, but it operations had been somewhat neglected (for lack of a better word) until relatively recently.  The quality of their wines was nothing to get excited about and investment was lacking.  But this began to change in 2004, when new management was put in place and operations and wine making techniques were overhauled.

I found this wine to be an indication of good things to come from Santa Carolina.  Blackberry pie on the nose, dark fruit and vanilla, along with a slight earthy characteristic make for an enjoyable bouquet.  The palate has an outstanding mouth feel.  The tannins are thick in this one.  It’s a very earthy wine and I’m enjoying that fact.  There is also some plum and black pepper on the palate.  It’s a nice wine.

Wine: Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia
Variety: Carmenere
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $14.99

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