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Reininger Winery 2009 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $48
This rare red Bordeaux variety is probably best known in Chile, where it has been grown for more than a century. In fact, Chilean growers thought it was Merlot until just 15 years ago. Now it has seen a revival in Washington, one of the few places in the world where European wine grapes are planted with their own root system rather than being grafted onto North American varieties. Why is this important? Carménère best expresses itself on its own roots. The grapes for this wine come from the southern Walla Walla Valley in Oregon, and it opens with aromas of red currant, cherry tomato, Dr Pepper and black pepper. On the palate, it reveals austere dark fruit that melds with oak, spice and peppercorns. Its tannins brighten up all the fruit.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 322 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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