2009 Casa Silva Carmenere Reserva

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Casa Silva Carmenere Reserva is a beautiful expression of the Carmenere grape that is now flourishing in South America. Vina Casa Silva was founded in 1892 by French wine pioneer Emilio Bouchon and is owned today by Mario Silva, the fifth generation of winemakers. Many of the vines are more than 90 years old, carried over from Bordeaux pre-phylloxera. After decades of selling its juice to bulk wineries, Casa Silva began a bold estate bottling initiative in 1997, establishing the winery as a leader of the new generation of premium wine producers. It was named Best South American Producer at the 2000 International Wine & Spirits Competition in London. In the words of Jay Miller of the Wine Advocate, "Casa Silva is producing some of the best Carmenere in Chile." This new 2009 vintage just received a 90-point rating! It is without a doubt a Chilean wine gem.

Casa Silva Carmenere Reserva is deep red/purple in color with complex aromas of blackberries, plums, chocolate, toffee, white pepper and spice. Made from 88% Los Lingues and 12% Lolol fruit, this big red is full in body, powerful yet elegant. On the palate, it is round and mouth-filling with sweet tannins and a gorgeous balance between fruit and French oak. Aged 50% in French oak for 7 months. Hand-harvested and sorted. On the finish, it is long and rich.

Enjoy Casa Silva Carmenere Reserva over the next 5-7 years with roast beef, steak, meat empanadas and aged cheeses.