Some folks say that vintage makes no difference when it comes to cheap wine, but I say poo poo to that! It does make a difference and I like to revisit new vintages of wines that we’ve tasted in the past.
Today I’m tasting the 2009 Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva Carménère from the Colchagua Valley in Chile, which is a followup from one of our other reviewers at Cheap Wine Ratings, David Germano, who tasted the 2008 Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva Carménère. Since this is not only a different vintage but also a different reviewer there likely to be both a difference in the wine and a difference of interpretation of the wine that are in play here. Nonetheless, it’s still an interesting comparison (to me anyway).
David found the 2008 to be “dark, rich and heavily extracted… with complex, yet subtle hints of coffee and cola.” Clearly, David enjoyed that wine. Meanwhile, I found the 2009 to also be quite enjoyable, with rich flavors. But I found the spice profile to be a little bit different from the 2008.
The nose of the 2009 is absolutely lovely. It offers a harmonious mix of aromas, including plum, cedar, nutmeg and black raspberry. The palate is brimming with delicious, ripe fruit flavors such as blackberry, plum and cherry. The acidity makes it nice and bright, while the tannins add a touch of texture to the mouthfeel. The finish shows more of the fruit flavors and just a hint of green pepper.
Wine: Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva Carménère
Variety: Carménère
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 87
Price: $15.00
Find Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva Carménère with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.