Tried first Carmenere the other day, this one made by Estampa, Estate Bottled Gold Assemblage 2003 13.9%. Mix 55% Carmenere rest Cabernet Sauvgnon/Merlot. Can now understand why in How to Choose Wine, the writer describes Carmenere as “I just cannot get enough of it! This wine has tremendous fruitiness, but is well structured, smooth & consistent”, have to say I agree. Neil

with all due respect -- I don't think a wine with just 55% Carmenere can give a good impression of the variety. There are 100% Carmenere's on the shelves.

Fair comment, at time of buying & trying due to label, thought 100% Carmenere, was not till checking makers site found %, to gain better picture looking for 100% on next buying spree from another maker.

Neil.

I see now why you were misled. The wine has an illegal label.

If it says just Carmenere on the front label it should contain at least 85% of that variety, in the EU

I see on their website that later vintages name all the varieties in the blend....

Peter, sorry to mislead you, took another look at label & now notice in small print under Carmenere is 55%, no other grape mentioned, still not sure if I will get the hang of reading labels in the stores, unless I take magnifying glass with me.

Will be on look out for a 100% Carmenere.

Even so, its not legal.

Peter - maybe back in 2003 they had old label stock from before the regulations And then they hand wrote 2003 on it. That's my aim to help them have an excuse!

Excuse maybe, but misleading customers and breaking the law all the same.

Its not legal even in the USA

Peter, could you go over why its is not legal as it might have been me who has confused everyone with my first posting.

I have the label front & back along with download of the makers notes now, could scan for all to see or go over what is on the labels.

Thanks

Neil.

The label as displayed on the winery website names just the variety Carmemere on its label.

That implies it is a varietal wine, i.e one made from one variety.

EU rules say a varietal wine must contain 85% of the named variety.

USA law says a vinifera varietal wine must contain 75% of the named variety (except one or two states where they have ahigher limit) .