($15, Trinchero): Is it just a coincidence that a producer named Carmen should excel with Carmenere, which is arguably Chile’s national grape?  Coincidence or not, they’ve excelled with this 2011.  The Apalta area, one of the most famous ones in the Colchagua Valley, supplied the raw materials and the winemaking team at Viña Carmen turned them into excellent wine.  One of the attributes of Carmenere is its ability to convey non-fruit flavors, even when young.  Viña Carmen has exploited this characteristic admirably, combining a plum-like fruitiness with an endearing savory funkiness.  Its suave texture makes it all the more appealing.  This beautifully balanced wine continues to show excellence with a hint of bitterness in the finish, making it an ideal choice for hearty wintertime food, such as slow simmered lamb shanks.
93 Michael Apstein Feb 24, 2015