Arboleda Carmenere 2001

Carmenere, widely cultivated in Bordeaux in the early 18th century, was brought to Chile where it expressed great affinity to the country's terroir. It adapted so well to the soils and sunny climate of Chile that it was often called Chilean Merlot. Merlot is actually a misnomer since it is a noble variety in its own right. Our Arboleda 1999 Carmenere captures this grape variety's finest attributes with its intense color and deep, spicy fruit character. Its aroma is highly complex, with unique notes of spices, mocha and paprika intermingling with vibrant layers of plum and berry. On read more...the palate the good initial acidity gives way to ripe and well structured tannins, culminating in a long finish. The wine was handcrafted at the state-of-the-art, gravity-flow Arboleda Winery, the first new winery that Robert Mondavi has built outside of California. The word Arboleda means grove of trees and, in developing the vineyard and winery, we have preserved as many trees and indigenous plants as possible to protect the natural ecosystem.    (hide)

Spicy but aged. Amazingly complex and enjoyable.

November 2008