Decanter World Wine AwardsAll wines
Recommended wines
Vina Ventisquero, Grey, Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2008
Herb, pine and sweet, ripe berry fruit on the nose. Rich, ripe flavours of clean, fresh and spicy fruit. It is soft and balanced with a decent length and good structure. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (16.5 points)
£13-14 Magnum Wines, Swindon (01793 642 569), www.slurp.co.uk, Whole Foods Market, London (020 7368 4500)
Santa Alicia, Reserva Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2010
Herbs, spice, graphite, minerals and soft, rounded dark fruit bouquet. Beautifully ripe fruit with attractive weight, smooth tannins and fresh balancing acidity. Juicy and supple wine which is harmonious and varietally truie. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (16.67 points)
Vina Casa Rivas, Gran Reserva Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2009
Tomato leaf, rich, ripe chocolate and spicy red fruit bouquet. A successful blend of sweet, ripe fruit, chocolatey oak and ripe tannins. The fruit is vivacious and classically structured. Needs time and a T-bone steak! Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (17 points)
Errazuriz, Single Vineyard Carmenere, Aconcagua Valley 2009
Sweet jam, dark brooding fruit, savoury spice, cumin, chocolate and wood aroma. A very harmonious wine with juicy, ripe, succulent red and black fruit layering spice and bitter chocolate flavour. Good grip and persistence. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (16.5 points)
Vina la Rosa, La Palma, Reserva Carmenere, Cachapoal Valley 2009
Attractive summer pudding, spice, vanilla, herb and savoury bouquet. With smooth, soft and rich, juicy fruit, it is long and well balanced with good freshness. It has a sweet berry finish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (16.5 points)
n/a UK www.larosa.cl
Bisquertt, La Joya, Reserve Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Soft, attractive smoke, savoury, mocha, ripe berry and spicy brambly fruit aroma. Sweet, juicy and jammy palate with dark brooding fruit and bitter chocolate layers. Aspirational with some elegance. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (17 points)
n/a UK www.bisquertt.cl
Vina Casablanca, El Bosque, Winemaker's Choice Carmenere, Rapel Valley 2008
Attractive, spicy berry fruit on the nose. Sweet, juicy fruit palate with evident tannins and a fresh attack. Some savoury evolution and spicy notes. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
Vina la Rosa, La Palma Carmenere, Cachapoal Valley 2010
Ripe blackberry, mineral, earth, violet, wood and toast aromas. Quite soft and perfumed with ripe fruit and fragrant oak. Has plenty of flavour - well judged. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
n/a UK www.larosa.cl
Undurraga, Founders Collection Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2008
Quite closed on the nose; delicate black fruit, spice and pepper. Characterful and powerful with good concentration of fruit, a soft texture and a firm structure. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (15 points)
£17.99 Auriol Wines, Hants (01252 843 190), Moreno Wine, London W9 (020 7286 0678)
Torreon de Paredes, Carmenere, Rengo-Cachapoal Valley 2009
Fresh, simple red fruit, light spice and mint on the nose. Very appealing, simple, muscular and seductive. Enjoyable. Pleasant finish. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
Terranoble, Carmenere Andes CA1, Colchagua Valley 2008
Restrained, complex nose of oak spice and cedar, dark fruit, meat and vivid blackcurrant. Elegant style with a firm structure, fine tannins and savoury notes. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
£20-25 The Vineyard, Dorking (01306 876 828), Whitebridge Wines, Staffs (01785 817 229)
Terranoble, Gran Reserva Carmenere, Maule Valley 2008
Voluptuously flashy nose of tapenade, blackberry pie, spicy oak, loganberry and vanilla. Modern and intense with succulent fruit and a sophisticated structure. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
£10-12 Bowland Forest Vintners, Lancs (01200 448 222), Whitebridge Wines, Staffs (01785 817 229)
Tamaya, Winemakers Selection Carmenere, Limari Valley 2009
Very toasty, dried fruit, herbs, minerals and pretty red fruit bouquet. A light, fresher, cooler-climate style with simple tannins. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
Concha y Toro, Casillero del Diablo Carmenere, Peumo-Apalta, Rapel Valley 2009
Oak, eucalyptus, cassis and blackberry bouquet. Blackcurrant, rather Ribena-ish palate. Well-integrated fruit and oak. Delicous. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.17 points)
Terranoble, Carmenere Costa CA2, Colchagua Valley 2008
Tomato leaf, vibrant red and blackberry fruit, vanilla and black pepper nose. Juicy fruit attack stacked with black pepper, crunchy tannis and good vibrant acidity. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (16.1 points)
In Situ, Gran Reserva Carmenere, Aconcagua Valley 2009
Herb, eucalyptus, wood, cranberry, red berry and spice bouquet. Quite fresh, rich and spicy fruit with evident, rounded tannins. Elegant, fresh and pure. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (16.33 points)
Undurraga, Sibaris Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Fresh smoke, red and black fruit, spice and savoury aroma. Concentrated glossy, grown-up fruit. Lovely purity to this well-structured, relatively integrated red. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (16.33 points)
Errazuriz, Estate Carmenere, Aconcagua Valley 2010
Savoury toast, caramel, black pepper, vanilla, red and black fruit aromas. Concentrated ripe berry fruit, vanilla wood and an impression of freshness. Alc: 14%. DRink 2011/2. (16.33 points)
Casa Silva, Gran Reserva Carmenere, Los Lingues, Colchagau Valley 2008
Herbaceous, spice, blackcurrant, kirsch, green pepper and earth aroma. Attractive, generously fruity wine with firm tannins and refreshing fruit. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (16.2 points)
De Martino, Estate Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2009
Spice, vanilla oak, red and black fruit nose. Very good fruit concentration with a lot of oak. Simple, straightforward style with sweet juicy fruit. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.17 points)
£8.99 Berkmann Wine Cellars, London N7 (020 7609 4711), www.virginwines.com
Casa Silva, Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
A powerhouse of a nose, with lots of mint and confected blackcurrant fruit. Very commercial with lots of blackcurrant fruit. Supple and delicious. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (16 points)
Tierra Alta, Gran Reserva Carmenere, Maule Valley 2009
Attractive aromatics of subtle oak, blackberry, chocolate and mocha. Sleek black fruit, harmonious tannins and good oak and cool-climate style. Nicely made. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
Tamaya, Reserva Carmenere, Limari Valley 2009
Herbs, spicy red fruit, grass, leaf and savoury nose. Good concentration of leafy herbal fruit, firm yet soft tannins and a decent length. Very elegant. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (16 points)
Viu Manent, Secret de Viu Manent, Colchagua Valley 2009
Vanilla, spice and rich, red berry fruit aroma. Fresh, ripe, sweet fruit, soft tannins and some varieital trueness. Good tanninc structure. Alc: 14.8%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
Misiones de Rengo, Gran Reserva Cuvee Carmenere, Rapel Valley 2009
Pretty red and black fruit and oak spice nose. Attractive fruit offering complexity and spicy, soft tannins. Good concentration. Big in a good way. Alc: 14.9%. Drink 2011/2. (16.33 points)
n/a UK www.misionesderengo.cl
Viu Manent, Viu Manent Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Savoury, cinnamon, nutmeg, oak spice, vegetal and earthy aroma. Quite chunky black fruit, some chocolate, vanilla and liquorice characters and a soft texture. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
Terranoble, Reserva Carmenere, Maule Valley 2009
Concentrated aroma of meat, wood and blackcurrant. Ripe, rich, buxom fruit with some savory, chocolate, mocha notes. Tannins are quite firm but ripe. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
£9 Vintage Cellars, London (020 7834 3647), Whitebridge Wines, Staffs (01785 817 229)
Tabali, Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Pretty red and black berry, cherry, spice, liquorice and savoury bouquet. Fruit is in a minor key, but there is a good intensity of it. Elegant, soft and light style. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
De Martino, Legado Reserva Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2009
Tomato leaf, herb, sweet, ripe blackberry, blueberry and spice aroma. Soft, succulent fruit showing lovley depth. A drier style with restrained savoury fruit. Alc: 13.9%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
Laroche, Punto Nino Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Quite green and herbal with subdued spice, pepper and a wild note. Old-style traditional, easy-drinking Chilean palate with soft, generous fruit and chocolate. Alc: 14.3%. Drink 2011-14. (15.83 points)
n/a UK www.larochewines.cl
Concha y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha, Peumo-Cachapoal Valley 2009
Nose shows brooding black fruit, high tone oak and an authentic sense of place. A serious wine with a silky texture, tangy acidity and integrated oak. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (1567 points)
Geo Wines, Chono, Carmenere Reserva, Maipo Valley 2008
Sweet, ripe berry fruit on the nose. Soft, succulent red berry fruit which is attractive. It has some complexity and a good structure. Decent. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.67 points)
£8.99-9.65 Berry Bros & Rudd, London SW1 (0870 900 4300), Patriarche Wine Agencies, London SW6 (020 7381 4016)
Koyle, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Rich, promising, sweet blackcurrant and blackberry nose. Lovely, dense, complex, concentrated sweet fruit palate which is velvety and smooth. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.67 points)
n/a UK www.koyle.cl
Vina Chocalan, Carmenere Seleccion, Maipo Valley 2009
Tight aromas of herbs, red berry, peapod and toasty, coconut wood. Ripe, silky and sweet with fresh blackcurrant fruit and leaf flavour. Beautifully balanced. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.6 points)
Lapostolle, Clos Apalata, Colchagau Valley 2008
Smoke, meat, spice, soy sauce and intense dark fruit bouquet. Big, dense wine, very silky texture and excellent concentration. Powerful and ambitious. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011-15. (15.6 points)
Undurraga, Candelabro Carmenere-Malbec-Carignan, Rapel Valley 2009
Quite crunchy red berry fruit, lots of Malbec character and a strong violet scent. Good, ripe, meaty and very fresh. It is very supple, creamy, easy and harmonious. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.67 points)
Errazuriz, KAI, Aconcagau Valley 2008
Traditional, very concentrated wood and chocolate bouquet. A crafted, big wine with great, sweet fruit and a lot of spicy oak. Classy and enjoyable if oaky. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (16 points)
Falernia, Reserva Carmenere, Elqui Valley 2008
Concentrated meat, animal and Syrah-style aromas. A big wine which retains balance; it has fruit and spice with complexity and a sense of character. Alc: 15%. DRink 2011/2. (16.33 points)
Atacama, Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2009
Ripe, bright and rustic aroma of minerals and distinctive eucalyptus. Quite individual with fresh, juicy blackcurrant fruit and fruit/acidity balance. Alc: 13.7%. Drink 2011-12. (15.5 points)
Chilcas Estate, Reserva Carmenere, Maule Valley 2008
Soft, ripe berry, cassis, plum, sweet spice and summer pudding aroma. Attractive, expressive and juicy with a sleek strucutre and some spice complexity. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.53 points)
Tamaya, Carmenere, Limari Valley 2009
Soft, spice, chocolate, earth, minerals, blackcurrant leaf and compote on the nose. Ripe, layered fruit, silky tannins, integrated wood and quite loose-knit style. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.5 points)
Cono Sur, Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Oak, blackcurrant, blackberry, spice and chocolate nose. Big, chunky style with a lot of scaffolding. Powerful, tight and well balanced with a big gutsy structure. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (15.5 points)
Canepa, Reserva Privada Carmenere, Rapel Valley 2009
Attractive nose of ripe berry, wood, spice and eucalyptus. Rounded, soft and juicy with attractive freshness. It has rich fruit and a creamy palate. Alc: 13.9%. Drink 2011/2. (15.33 points)
Vina la Rosa, La Capitana, Barrel Reserve Carmenere, Cachapoal Valley 2009
Fragrant oak, blackberry, smoke, high tone, earth and savoury bouquet. Ripe, sweet, expressive fruit. Youthful, straightforward and enjoyable. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.5 points)
£9.99-10.49 Fullers, London W4 (020 8996 2085)
Vina Maipo, Gran Devocion, Maule Valley 2008
Spice, black pepper, dark fruit and savoury aromas. Generous, powerful and rich with a smooth, chocolatey texture, soft, stylish fruit and a long, spicy finish. Alc: 14.9%. Drink 2011-13. (15.4 points)
£12.99 www.yourfavouritewines.com
Antiyal, Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2007
Blackberry, leather, spice, toast and leaf aromas. Rich, dark blackberry fruit with a mint/eucalyptus overlay. Big, firm yet refined structure and a sophisticated texture. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.3 points)
Vina Siegel, Crucero Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Raisined fruit, chocolate, cherry, mulberry and bacon crisps aroma. Distinctive with creamy, black cherry yoghurt and bacon flavour. Fresh and more-ish. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.33 points)
Vina San Pedro, 35 degrees South, Reserve Carmenere, Central Valley 2009
Dominant vanilla, wood and spicy red berry fruit aroma. Well-made Carmenere with attractive varietal fruit, enough weight and palatable oak. Commercial style. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.33 points)
Haras de Pirque, Equus Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2009
Intense, rich, ripe red fruit, liquorice and spice on the nose. Very pure blackcurrant fruit with liquorice and spice notes. Good stucture but has noticeable alcohol. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.33 points)
£9-9.20 Berkmann Wine Cellars, London N7 (020 7609 4711), www.slurp.co.uk
Tierra del Corazon, Reserva Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2009
Vibrant red and black berry, currant, spice, black pepper and oak aroma. Smooth, juicy fruit with a harmonious structure, good concentration and firm tannins. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.3 points)
£8.99 www.virginwines.com
Falernia, Carmenere-Syrah Reserva, Elqui Valley 2008
Black olive, meat juice, baked plum, earth, black pepper and savoury nose. Creamy, milk chocolate texture. Quite a different style with a savoury, earthy character. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.2 points)
De Martino, Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras, Maipo Valley 2009
Lots of raw wood and opulent dense, dark fruit on the nose. Concentrated, very rich, black cherry fruit, with high tannins. Interesting, deep and complex. Alc: 14.4%. Drink 2012-plus. (15.33 points)
£14.95-20 Berkmann Wine Cellars, London N7 (020 7609 4711), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)
Casa Silva, Dona Dominga Gran Reserva Carmenere, Los Lingues, Colchagua Valley 2008
Mocha, youthful, creamy black fruit, garrigue and mint on the nose. Youthful black cherry and plum fruit with a firm tannin structure and a juicy finish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.3 points)
Santa Rita, Pehuen, Colchagua Valley 2007
Soft, pure spicy red fruit, bitter chocolate, game and oak on the nose. Extravagant style iwth lovely purity of fruit, gentle tannins and a judicious use of oak. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.2 points)
£30 Berkmann Wine Cellars, London N7 (020 7609 4711), Harrods, London SW1 (020 7730 1234)
Vina Santa Alicia, Gran Reserva Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2008
Very distinctive aroma of eucalyptus and mint. Layered wine with spice, currantly fruit and a minty finish. Agreeable, generous and loose knit. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.17 points)
Vistamar, Sepia, Reserva Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2009
Aniseed, black pepper and red fruit aroma - quite Syrah-like. Rich fruit which is dark and glossy surrounded by firm tannin. Well structured with a good length. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.17 points)
£7.99 Discovery Wines, Manchester (0161 935 8243 / www.discoverywine.co.uk)
Torreon de Paredes, Reserva Carmenere, Cachapoal Valley 2009
Spicy, red berry fruit and smoky, toasty oak aroma. Attractive fresh structure and fruit with a soft, elegant texture. Simple and well made with a good fruit base. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.17 points)
£8.79 Forth Wines, Edinburgh (01577 866 001 / www.forthwines.com)
Santa Carolina, Reserva de Familia Carmenere, Rapel Valley 2008
Oak, vanilla and desne bramble fruit bouquet. Very smooth, elegant palate with lovely, soft, stylish and silky fruit. Good use of oak. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.08 points)
Santa Carolina, Herencia Carmenere, Peumo-Rapel Valley 2007
Inviting aromas of prune, mocha, tar, dark chocolate and scented fruit. With stylish, creamy, ripe berry fruit, this is a powerful, ambitious wine with a long finish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2012-14. (15.1 points)
Gurpegui Muga, Eslabon Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2010
Olives, black pepper, spice, red and black fruit nose. Spicy, smooth, supple, crunchy fruit with a hint of black pepper. Feels very young and a little raw. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.17 points)
Misiones de Rengo, Carmenere, Central Valley 2010
Sweet, succulent red and dark fruit, sweet spice and oak on the nose. Nice varietal character displaying ripe briary fruit and spicy notes - surprisingly approachable. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.17 points)
n/a UK www.misionesderengo.cl
Tarapaca, Reserva Carmenere, Maipo Valley 2010
Pretty and perfumed bramble, mulberry, chocolate and hint of herb on the nose. Quite serious with lifted red and black fruit, dry tannin and a good length. Alc: 14.4%. Drink 2011-13. (15.17 points)
MontGras, Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2010
Red cherry, blackberry, currant and oak on the nose. Cool, stylish and ripe with Carmenere varietal tones and peppery mid-palate. Simple and easy. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
Luis Felipe Edwards, Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2010
Lifted notes of yeast, smoke and spice on the nose. Bright, high-toned fruit framed by fine tannins giving an impression of delicacy despite the richness. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
Emiliana, Adobe Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Spice, dark forest fruit and savoury notes on the nose. Good concentration of fresh, lively berry fruit flavours. Well-made red. Alc: 14.2%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
Santa Rita, Gran Hacienda Carmenere, Central Valley 2008
Indian spice and lots of wood on the nose. Conservative winemaking. Slightly unusual flavours but good freshness, good balance and a long length. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
Santa Helena, Seleccion del Directorio Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009
Juicy, jammy blackcurrant fruit bouquet. Has evident Cabernet Sauvignon showing rich, ripe briary fruit. Plenty of oak tannins bolster its structure. Decent. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
Sol de Andes, Gran Reserva Carmenere, Maule Valley 2009
Rich, red fruit and attractive, chocolate, mocha oak bouquet. Good, spicy, rich red berry fruit flavours. Commercial style with decent balance and length. Pure. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
