This is the wine our guests argue about.
Half the room falls for it on the first sip. The other half tilts their head, takes a second pour, and starts asking questions. Then comes back the next visit looking for the bottle.
Carménère doesn't apologize. It's gamey, peppery, threaded with dried herbs and a savory edge most Washington reds won't go near. There's a reason this grape was nearly lost to history before it resurfaced in Chile, and a reason it's still rare in Columbia Valley. It asks you to meet it.
The SF Chronicle judges met it. So did the gold medal.
What you get in the glass: black cherry and wild blackberry up front, green peppercorn and dried herb in the middle, cocoa and warm spice on the back end. Tannins are soft but the wine has spine. Finishes long, savory, a little smoky around the edges.
Pair it with lamb, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego, or anything that can hold its own at the table. Drink it tonight or hold it five to ten years+ and let it deepen into tobacco leaf, cedar, and dried fruit.
It's not for everyone. That's exactly the point.
Profile at a Glance
Color: Deep garnet with violet edges
Aromatics: Black cherry, blackberry, green peppercorn, dried herbs
Palate: Dark fruit, cocoa, spice, soft tannins, subtle oak
Finish: Long, savory, gently herbaceous
Pairing: Lamb chops, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego
Serving Temp: 60–65°F
