De Martino Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras Carmenere 2017

The top Carmenere is the 2015 Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras, produced with grapes from an organically farmed vineyard that was planted ungrafted in 1992 on one of the stony alluvial terraces of the Maipo River, which suits the variety and helps to avoid green aromas and flavors in its wines. They want to offer a typical Carmenere with spice, tobacco leaves and red fruit notes but without too much alcohol, over-ripeness or excess oak to try to cover the herbal tones. 2015 was a warm and high-yielding year, and the key to success was to control yields to be able to harvest early—and this is only 13.3% alcohol. It matured in 5,000-liter oak foudres for 30 months. It has ripe aromas and flavors, without excess and with a touch of thyme, which gives it a clear Mediterranean twist. There is no 2016 for this wine, as rain during harvest complicated matters, and the wine was declassified. 2015 is very good for Bordeaux varieties. 13,100 bottles and 60 magnums were filled in August 2017.

Originally from Bordeaux, Carmene`re has made a new home in Chile. Full-bodied, with dark fruit, evident tannins, beautifully integrated wood, plus a slight (positive) green character. A lovely alternative to Cabernet.

Ripe, powerful and pure-tasting, with some smoky notes to the dried dark fruit and mulled spiced flavors. Finishes with mocha and dried herbal accents. Drink now through 2022. 1,086 cases made.

A light and easy carmenere with iron, light berry and lemon rind aromas. Medium body, light tannins and a juicy finish. Friendly interpretation of carmenere. Drink now.