Prosser winemaker Robert Smasne continues to show his fascination and skill with Carménère, the little-known red Bordeaux variety that appeals to Cabernet Francophiles. There’s immediate engagement with the variety’s leafy notes with aromatics hinting at dried oregano and cigar leaf amid dried cherry, black pepper and underlying mocha and minerality. Its bright red fruit profile offers classic notes of black cherry and boysenberry with clean acidity and tannins tucked nicely in the background. A lick of cigar leaf adds to the suave length. Only one barrel was produced, so contact his new tasting room in Prosser’s Vintners Village to see if there’s any left.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 23 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
Winery website
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