Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah 2009, Apalta
Syrah
Colchagua Valley, Chile
$17.95 (301903)
A deep and brooding Syrah from Chile, which is showing itself as the “Other” Southern Hemisphere star for Syrah. Deeply coloured, with a juicy texture, plush rich black fruit flavours and just enough savoury notes and acidity to keep it from being over blown. Full bodied with a very long and enjoyable finish. Ready to drink now or over the next 3 to 4 years. A spectacular bargain and part of the February 2 release at Vintages. Score: 91 (Janet Dorozynski, www.WineAlign.com, Oct 2012)Critic Reviews (4)
A deep and brooding Syrah from Chile, which is showing itself as the “Other” Southern Hemisphere star for Syrah. ...
From a spectacular u-shaped site in the Colchagua Valley, the Apalta is home to some of Chile's most sought-after...
A dense, rich, very fruity, in fact quite impressive syrah here for the money, with plush dark fruit, integrated oak...
This dark, rich red has an intense if almost acrid nose of dark currant fruit, pine needle, pepper and chocolate....
Community Reviews (3)
Review is private
The 2009 Carmen Gran Reserva (100%) Syrah, which was aged for 10 months in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels, has intense aromas of eucalyptus, stewed prunes, vanilla and oak. It is a full to thick bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; balanced – with checked acidity, chalky mouthfeel, refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a long finish. This one is a sipper: drink now or cellar till 2020+ as it has an evolution potential of +1 or 2 pts. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89-90 pts (+1 or 2) – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted at Wines of Chile 2013 tasting in October/13 - http://grapeselections.com/wines-of-chile-2013/
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Deep inky wine with powerful aromas of dark fruit, smokey herbs, pitch and hint of pepper. The palate is full, nicely balanced and packed with powerful dark cherry, tar and scorched earth flavours. Nice length too. On a totally subjective note, the mineral/tar flavours were a bit much for me and while I enjoyed a glass, I wasn't eagerly reaching for a second.