Veramonte Primus 2004

A rare old Bordeaux grape that was widely planted in the 1700's and is currently undergoing a revival in Chile. Rich and classy, this full-bodied red from Franciscan Estates' excellent new Chilean property is well worth trying.

Number 5 on the Wine.com 100 of 2007! Primus is a racy blend of Carmenere, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon made from the highest quality grapes at the Veramonte Estate. It showcases the rare Carmenere variety, a distinctive grape that has found its home in Chile. Well structured with mature, ripe fruit that exhibits an evolved complexity with a seamless blending of the three varietals. Velvety, with a medium body and smooth, yet powerful tannins. Chile claims the lost Bordeaux grape Once a widely planted variety in Bordeaux, Carmenere was all but forgotten after the phylloxera outbreak in the read more...1880s virtually wiped it off the European wine map. The happy news is that someone carried the vine (also known as Grande Vidure and Grande Carmenet) to Chile in the 1850s. At that time, Chile was welcoming a wine renaissance. The aristocracy was moving to the countryside with the vision of creating a wine industry to rival Europe's. They planted the noble vines from France and for over a century, thought that the high-vigor vine with pinkish leaves was a special clone of Merlot or Cabernet Franc. After masquerading as Merlot for over a century in Chile, it wasn't until the 1990s that Chilean winegrowers determined the mystery vines are not Merlot but the lost Bordeaux grape Carmenere. Since then, Chile has become synonymous with the lush and exotic wines made from Carmenere and is the only country producing Carmenere based wines. Salud! Unusually ripe for a Casablanca red, this blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and carmenere has the texture of melted chocolate and ripe flavors of fig and blueberry. A powerful acidity keeps a refreshing tension. -Wines & Spirits The proprietary red wine, the 2004 Primus, is a blend of 47% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 23% Carmenere. It delivers an attractive perfume of pain grille, black cherry and blueberry. This is followed by a supple, ripe wine with no hard edges in a racy style. Drink this tasty, lively red over the next five years. -Wine Advocate    (hide)

A blend of Merlot (46%), Cabernet Sauvignon (31%) and Carmenère (23%). Offers smoky blackberry and plum flavors and aromas on a smooth, medium-bodied frame. Picks up allspice, bittersweet chocolate and roasted herb notes through the long finish. Shows some grip at the end. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two.

Wine & Spirits rating: 90

No written review

February 2008

No written review

May 2008