What makes the Carménère grape special? We hear a lot about the five red Bordeaux Varietals, but some people don’t know there’s actually a sixth.  Carménère comes from the Medoc region of Bordeaux where it has been known for producing deep, powerful red wines.  It’s thought to be a member of the Cabernet Sauvignon family and now rarely found in France, Carménère found it’s place in Chile where it reigns king.  Interestingly, Chilean growers inadvertently preserved the grape during the last 150 years, mistaking it for Merlot.  Carménère at it’s best produces wines that are as vivid as they are deep, with penetrating, focused flavors that unwind methodically across your palate and exhibit tremendous power and structure.  A clear-cut example is the 99 Point Montes Purple Angel Carménère.

 

Ever since Carménère was found throughout Medoc, it was often complimented with Petit Verdot.  Petit Verdot softens the edges and bridles the intense power and depth with a velvety, voluptuous embrace.  Montes recognized that and added 8% Petit Verdot to their 2015 Purple Angel and after silently developing for 18 months in barrel, the 2015 is stunningly brilliant.  With the 99 Point score this vintage, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours…