Wow, the Playhouse is over for another year and we got a lot of ideas from them for our Chilean wine.

I will start with a new wine that we have just brought in.

Cordillera De Los Andes
2007 Carinena, Merlot, and Syrah blend
Reserva Privada

This is a fantastic example of some of Chile’s unique and very well done wines. A deep ruby red colour and floral notes is what you will see and smell. As for what you will taste, the floral notes on your nose will translate to a very smooth and well balanced wine with some extra hints of Bay leaves and an ever so slight mint. A true find that was worth looking for. New wines are not scary but rather fun in tasting and getting new flavours and being able to write or talk about them. You can pair this find with cured meats and roasted vegetables and just about any roasted or braised meats.

The second wine is from the Colchagua Valley in Chile, produced by Montgras.

The Montgras Reserva Carmenere, 2009.

Although originally from France the Carmenere is now unique to Chile and they are the only significant source for the varietal. This is a rich concentrated red with a deep purple colour. This Carmenere has powerful spicy aromas that you will find mingles with some mint and wild herbs. Just the smell will get your mouth watering. Once you taste this rich and powerful wine, you will get very well rounded tannins that combine with soft vanilla bean and some toasty flavours left from the oak aging. I would pair this wine with lamb and all the gamier meats like venison and all South American meat dishes.

Cheers
James and the 1er cru at Coal Harbour Liquor Store.