Green aromas and flavors really dominate this wine. There is no mistaking the green pepper of Chilean Carmenere, or the tobacco leaf of Cabernet Franc. They appear on the palate, too, along with red currants and very tart cherries. Tannins are rather big and rough, but balanced by loads of acid. Tannins and acids will settle down over time, but as fruit fades green flavors will get even more dominant. Little hints of violets in the finish indicate some florals might shine through after a few years in the cellar. Drink with beef cazuela or ropa vieja.
WHO: Estampa
WHAT: Red blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Cabernet Franc (12%), Petit Verdot (8%), Carmenere (7%)
WHERE: Cochagua Valley, Central Valley, Chile
WHEN: 2008
HOW MUCH: $22 (Media sample)
