2017 KAI Carmenere

The pure Carmenère 2017 Kai reflects good freshness and less herbal aromas than the 2016, when the variety suffered from the abundant rains. Most of the hand-harvested grapes fermented in stainless steel, and about 10% fermented in concrete vats. The different lots matured in French oak barrels for 22 months, and "only" 60% of the barrels were new, coming down from 100% new a few years ago. There is good ripeness with a spicy touch of cracked peppercorns and a twist of paprika; it's clean, focused and elegant, a far cry from some Carmenères from yesteryear. This has an elegant Bordeaux profile with a more Mediterranean touch and a lot more freshness and fruit; it's not heavy, and the tannins are very fine. There are more and more Carmenères in this style, which I like much better than the old style. 10,497 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2019.

This a small-production wine and the best selection of carmenere from the vineyard. It delivers depth and length and energy and focus for the grape. Medium-to full-bodied, solid and firm with pretty dark-berry, walnut and dried-herb undertones. Succulent. Exceptional bottling from a top year for carmenere. Drink or hold.