Carmenere Vertical

2019 Carmenere

The rich color of Italian plum sets the stage for this vintage of Carmenere, giving hints of all the aromas to come. Damp earth, bright raspberry, eucalyptus, and a touch of leather hit you right out of the gates followed by tons of fresh tobacco leaf and a dusting of pink peppercorn.

2020 Carmenere           
Leather with a pinch of tobacco are front and center as soon as the cork is popped. The dark aromas continue with black and green peppercorns, a waft of diesel that disappears as soon as you identify it, and the bark of a pine forest right after it’s rained. Rich red fruit appear after the wine has been open for a few minutes, but even those notes are dark – hot sweet cherry peppers, raspberry, and then a little burst of kumquat to lighten the mood. After a few more minutes, out pops strawberry rhubarb pie filling.

2021 Carmenere                        

I love that a giant burst of super-ripe, red-hot, serrano chili is the first, and very lasting, whiff I get in our 2021 Carmenere. It’s that fruity spice that first attracted me to Washington Carmenere, but completely magnified. There was a second rich-fruity-floral note I struggled to pick up & finally, after some major assistance from a long-time Matchless Member, I realized is sorrel!

2024 Carmenere                        

Right outta the gate, we’ve got black licorice – the quality kind that leaves your fingers a little sticky. I love that stuff. Especially with red wine as a night cap. Having it IN the wine, also quite nice. Other darker flavors come out as the wine opens up, tobacco, pine resin, rough fir bark, and the classic white pepper. Just when you think it is too much, you get some sweet relief with Italian plum and maraschino cherry. Still the darker fruits, but with a pop of freshness.