2007 Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a continuation of the Purple experience from Monday night. We had tasted the Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon and really liked it. We were lucky to grab a bottle at Esquin for $10.99. I've had it open for about 30 minutes, so it has breathed a bit, but I suspect it will get a bit better over the next hour or so.

The nose is different than I remember it. Perhaps because it needs to breathe more, but I get nice black fruit and marinated meat. The marinated meat had me smelling it over and over trying to identify the aroma. But I fine it to be reminiscent of Korean kalbi. I also get alcohol in the nose, perhaps again because it needs to breathe.

On the palate I get fruit and tanins. I'm thinking sweet fruit. Like current jam, with a nice finish into a sweet mocha. There is a small amount of acid that seems well balanced. As much as I think it needs to breathe to open up the nose, it is really nice on the palate for a $10 wine. I can't imagine saving it. It seems ready to drink now. Overall, quite a find for $10. I'll try and give it an hour and update. Really, I mean try. Honestly I don't know if it will make it that long without being finished off...

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OK, revisit. The nose has opened up slightly and is more fruity. I get more blackberry aroma, but the marinated meat is still there. The palate has become a bit more fruity as the tannins dye out a bit. Still a drink now wine. Still quite a value at $10 a bottle.

2007 Vina Chocalan Carmenere

Tonight the wife and I went to Purple Wine Bar in Seattle and drank our way through two flights. There were several stand out wines, and that prompted a trip to Esquin on the way home. We arrived right after they closed, but Esquin being the great company they are let us in for a quick buy. The were sold out of the Carmenere we went in for, but they recommended the Vina Chocalan. At $10.99 a bottle, it was hard to say no.

Carmenere is a very interesting grape. It always seems to really reflect the terroir, with bold and interesting aromas and flavors. This one didn't fail to impress.

The nose is green. Grassy, and herby (basil, oregano), with a slight gasoline aroma. A second sniff gives me a bit of clothes dye and manure. None of this is bad, despite what you might think!

The wine has a surprisingly fruity mid-palate. It has a nice note of red fruits. I think of ripe raspberries. It has nice tannins and a definite, pronounced bitterness. A second taste keeps the fruit, but has a definite pepper and herb component.

This reminds me that I don't drink enough Carmenere. it is a lovely grape and seems to run such a wide gamut of flavors and aromas. I can't praise the Vina Chocalan enough. At its price point, it is a fantastic buy for a very fun wine.