Errazuriz Single Vineyard Carmenere 2006

Carmenere, long thought in Chile to be a strain of Merlot, has thrived at Errazuriz as a result of more vigilant attention and care. It is a very late-ripening varietal, and most critically, needs much sun exposure. The Carmenere for this wine is planted at the Don Maximiano Estate in teh Aconcagua Valley, ensuring that it recieves the necessary sunshine, and has plenty of time to ripen. Grapes were hand-harvested then sorted. Fermentation took place in steel tanks and, unique to the Carmenere at Errazuriz, aerating pumpovers were carried out until fermentation ended. This reduced herbaceous traces and enhanced the excellent expression of the wine's fruit character. The wine was aged in 80% new barrels (60% French and 40% American) for 12 months.

A lively, deep red color with cherry edges distinguishes this vintage's Carmenere Single Vineyard. A ripe profile and an intense, complex bouquet that imparts spice, black pepper and roasted red pepper intermixes wtih aromas of sweet ripe blackberry, cherries and dry figs. The barrel aging adds rich notes of vanilla and coffee. This beautifully balanced wine opens on the palate with soft, velvety tannins that expand into a rich mouthfeel enhanced by toasty oak notes mingled with hints of tobacco and caramel.