Viña El Aromo Carménère Talca Private Reserve 2009

Fairly minty on the nose but at the same time focused and clear, with a very pretty array of earth, oak, spice and crisp fine herb notes that come together nicely. This has plenty of weight but it’s still well-balanced with juicy acidity and lovely fine tannins that are embedded in the rich blackberry fruit. The backend shows wood tannin and nice tobacco leaf and spiced notes with wild blueberries on the finish. I would like to see some more length here, but this marries power and elegance quite nicely with a really lovely integration of fruit and oak. New World and unabashed, but pretty delicious. I have to add that I don’t mind herbaceousness in my Carmenere, but this has very little and yet manages to be fresh. 91pts

A bit oaky at first, this really pops in the glass with aromas of violets and cracked pepper that recall Syrah, layered over pomegranate, sour plum and green citrus peel fruits. This is a rather big wine, with lots of richness and a slightly creamy texture. The tannins and acidity help add tension to all that richness, keeping this lively in the mouth. Expressive blueberry and damson plum flavors are framed by fine oak spice and vanilla notes, all leading to a rich, polished and long finish that shows more of a red fruit profile. This is a bit of a wine of texture, big yet so smooth, though it retains a certain sense of transparency and freshness as well. Sure to be a crowd pleaser. 89pts