BOTALCURA LA PORFIA CARMENERE - 2003

Made from the Carmenere grape in Curigo Valley, Chile, this red wine is very Bordeaux-like. Strangely enough the Carmenere grape once was a large part of Bordeaux blends but eventually lost its appeal to due low yields. It was first planted in the Medoc region of France and used as a blending grape. Brought over from France, it has thrived in Chile and is often mixed in with Merlot in order to take advantage of its low tannins, yet ripe black fruit flavors.

TASTING NOTES:

Pomerol-like nose of pencil shavings and dark fruit with cherries, tobacco, herbs and dry toasted wood undertones.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS
Impressive structure and flavors. The complexity here overdelivers for its $16 bottle price. Very solid wine. If you haven't tried this varietal the Botalcura is an excellent introduction.