De Martino Legado Carmenère 2010, Do Maipo Valley, Chile

This wine is made with 100% Carmenère grapes, fermentation was done using native yeast only, maturation taking place in old French oak barrels for 14 months and alcohol coming in at a moderate 13.5%.

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, cassis, underbrush, dried mint, savoury spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, intense, muscular texture, spicy black fruit and light herbal flavours, balanced acidity and firm tannins. This Carmenère has a long finish, with rich flavours and mild tannins lingering. This wine needed a little time to open up; decanting would be a very good idea since the tannins are quite aggressive at first but one hour later the wine becomes very smooth. It is better served with red meat, very enjoyable and a superb value. Score 89 point. 

Purchased January 5, 2013 LCBO New Release (236059) at $16.95

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile

The deep intense purple color of this Cabernet Sauvignon opens up with aromas of black fruit, cassis, dried figs, cigar box and crack black pepper. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, black fruit, smoky and toasty oak flavours, low acidity and dusty tannins. Medium-long finish with oak characteristic and puckering, woody tannins lingering. I wish there would have been less oak and more acidity, on the palate, this Cabernet feels a bit heavy and somewhat clumsy. This wine was better on the second night, which meant  decanting would be a good idea or to cellar, mid-term 1-2 years. This wine is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc in a supporting role, maturation took place in 1st, 2nd and 3rd use oak barrels for 14 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5 %. Score 88 points. 

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (275594) at $17.95