Initially striking for its youthful, intense purple color, this wine appears much younger than its 5 years. This may be due to the fermentation and aging vessels used, reported to be stainless steel and cement. A panoply of purple fruits arise from the glass with mulberry, plum and complicating notes of cedar, graphite and a softly herbal note which reads more fresh than green or under-ripe. I usually consider Carménère a good choice to match grilled beef with its occasional herbal note, a good foil to a pungent chimichurri sauce. This wine plays a fruitier edge in the mouth and while it has sufficient structure to stand up to beef, it is not massive; rather, it presents as medium bodied with juicy acidity which feels more old world in balance. Note that this wine is made from certified organic grapes and is suitable for Vegans.
Odfjell Vineyards, Maule Valley (Chile) Carménère 2019
By Andrew Holod