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Review: AntoLin Cellars 2010 Estate Carménère @AntoLinCellars

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 Enhance your summer meals with AntoLin Cellars Estate Carménère .

Carménère, an ancient European variety, is thought to be the antecedent of other better-known varieties. Originally planted in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France and used primarily for blending, it practically disappeared in the mid-19th century due to disease. It is almost impossible to find Carménère in France today.

A once nearly lost grape, the world's largest area planted with this variety is now in Chile. Growers in my home state of Washington are producing limited amounts of Carménère. AntoLin Cellars provided me a lovely example of a 100% Washington Carménère. I encourage you to experience the deliciousness of this reappearing and intriguing wine. Well done.

Tasting Notes 2010 Estate Carménère

Color: Pale ruby.
Nose: Light cherry, rose water, candied raspberry, leather, white pepper. Whiff of espresso after an hour.
Palate: Ripe cherry flesh, touch tart, light body at opening which filled out to medium body within 10 minutes. Medium finish with modest tart cherry and raspberry. This wine was focused to the front of the palate. Juicy. Fantastic companion with pork steak dinner. Big like.

Thoughts: A genuinely good food wine. Expressive enough to enjoy with dinner, but did not dominate the meal. An interesting back story about an almost lost and now re-discovered variety makes this wine all the more interesting to share with friends. Pair with pork, lamb, game bird, and seafood Chopino. Recommended.

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AVA: Yakima Valley
100% Carménère , Glacier Vineyard
ABV: 12.7%
Closure: Natural cork
SRP: $25
Production: 114 cases
Sample provided by winery

AntoLin Cellars Winery
Tasting Room
16 N. 2nd St.
Yakima, WA  98901
(509) 833-5765
www.AntoLinCellars.com
www.facebook.com/AntoLinCellars

Antolin Cellars is a boutique winery located in Yakima, Washington. Founded in 2007 by Tony and Linda Haralson. They source fruit from their 5-acre estate vineyard and other select sites in Yakima and Columbia Valleys.

*Related post: Wine of the Week: Antolin Cellars 2010 Estate Malbec

Carménère : "A member of the Cabernet family of grapes, Carménère is a grape originally planted in the Medoc region of Bordeaux. The name originates from the French word for crimson (carmin). Carménère , along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, is considered part of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux, France." The Good Wine Guru - Spotlight on  a Varietal: Carmenere.

Cheers!
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