91
90
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/
See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:
http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
89
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.
