Comment on: Canepa Reserva Privada Carmenere 2009
I like Canepa wines, they offer quality, they offer depth, they offer breadth, and they offer value. So, re-tested tonight in proper 2009 guise, but post-food - what does this offer?
Firstly, I had to look back at Jose's response on the 2008 vintage...
"Even though Carmenere has a silky structure and a lower acidity that people may associate with wines that do not age too long, this wine in particular has good concentration, spice and colour that make it really enjoyable after some years in the bottle. In addition, this particular vintage of Reserva Privada Carmenere was helped with 10% high quality Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, in order to lift just a bit the structure and make it slightly bigger.
With some cellaring this variety evolves into soft leafy characters (Black tea, thyme in the aromas), plus chocolate and tobacco notes in the palate."
And that final bit nails it, totally. It is a little tannic (the tea leaves), it does dry the mouth out, it does have fruit, it does have tobacco notes and yes even mocha chocolate. However, I'm reducing the score to 3.5 (previously 4, for the 2008), as without food it also has a slightly harsh edge - and, of course, with food it could have been superb....
Irrelevant now I know as it is sold out and there is a newer 2010 vintage, but yet again the scant "Facts" above have it wrong, as the bottle displays 13.5%, not the 14% quoted. Ooooops.
I love Carmenere, with it's blackberry plummy nature and caramel and smoky tones. I expected a little more this time around - but maybe it is my fault for hanging on to this one a tad too long? I have a 2010 on the rack, so like Arnie "I'll be back"!
Barry 22:30 22/10/2011 Comment
£12.99
Sold OutTry this instead: Canepa Genovino Carignan 2008
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