Wine of the week - 2004 Maniña Carmenère



First, my apologies for the last post on escolar. Into every life some rain must fall.

Now, to make it up to you, a taste of a nice wine.

I have been increasingly pleased with Argentinian wines, which have gotten to the quality that Chilean wines reached several years ago. They combine interesting grapes (Malbec for example) that California is not producing, along with sometimes great value. Yes, I am a value shopper when it comes to red wine.

Today, Chile responds. I found a 2004 Maniña Carmenère being heavily promoted this week at Trader Joe's. I understand it to be exclusive to that retailer.

Here's the blurb from their marketing:



Not a bad review on the flavors but the nice thing is, this is not the sugary fruit bomb that many wines in this price range are (I'm talking to you Australia!) It actually has some balance. The nose also has a touch of stargazer lilies that Napa Valley Cabernets offer at five times the price. There's a nice herby sage aroma that balances the plum and vanilla. My initial reaction on the flavor was an lightly sweetened black plum cheesecake. That plus the mouthfeel equals sexy, and the whole package cries out for a great grilled steak.

I'm buying a case tomorrow, before somebody else gets the "girl of my eyes".


Posted: Wed - February 8, 2006 at 10:01 PM            

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