It's a Chilean speciality although originally from Bordeaux. I first tasted it on a trip to Chile in 1990 (it was all labelled Merlot then). Deep in colour, spicy, packed with exotic red fruit flavours – it was the tastiest "Merlot" I'd seen at the price.
It’s still great and even more so this year as 2009 was a warm vintage and Carmenere likes a bit of heat to get fully ripe. So Argentina may have its Malbec but look out for more Chilean Carmenere.
Thomas Woolrych, Head Buyer
Tony is on holiday
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