New release of one of the finest reds we've discovered from Chile. A delicious blend of Carmenere and Cabernet. 93 points Robert Parker: "The 2008 Espiritus de Apalta is composed of 80% Carmenere and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a vineyard planted in 1870 and aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of sandalwood, exotic spices, dried herbs, lavender, blueberry, and black currant. Voluptuous on the palate with layers of spicy black fruits, nicely concealed ripe tannins, and incipient complexity, all this beauty needs is another 3-4 years of cellaring to reveal its full potential. It will provide prime drinking from 2015 to 2023. (Feb 2012)" 91 Points Wine Spectator: "This compact red slowly opens to reveal dense, layered flavors of plum sauce, fig paste, game and iron. Fresh, with integrated tannins and a long, mocha- and spice-tinged finish. Decant or set down for the short term. Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2014. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,742 cases made. (2/29/12)"
Peter Yeung
Alluring, dark nose, silky palate with cigar box and black fruits
Alluring, dark nose, silky palate with cigar box and black fruits
9.3Anjoleena Griffin-Holst
Wine Director Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
135 year old vines. Proof that it's good to get older...
135 year old vines. Proof that it's good to get older...
9.0Fred Dex
Master Sommelier
Rock Star Chilean Juice! 55% Carm 45% Cab! 80 plus year old ungrafted vines!
Rock Star Chilean Juice! 55% Carm 45% Cab! 80 plus year old ungrafted vines!
9.5Lynn Penner-Ash
Owner/Winemaker Penner-Ash
Nice juicy fruit. A nice sweet feel to the dark fruit
Nice juicy fruit. A nice sweet feel to the dark fruit
8.5Brett Rogosin
Was good. Can use some more time. Not much.
Was good. Can use some more time. Not much.
9.2Dmitri Brown
Rich full body without being over the top. Well balanced. Mm.
Rich full body without being over the top. Well balanced. Mm.
9.3Miguel Oqueli
Magnum
Magnum
9.3Rebecca Cardone
Perfect for Grandpa's famous spaghetti sauce. Light like a Pinot noir, flavorful like a merlot.
Perfect for Grandpa's famous spaghetti sauce. Light like a Pinot noir, flavorful like a merlot.
9.7Justin Brilman
Not much to this. Overripe.
Not much to this. Overripe.
8.7Kyle Volluz
Nice one.
Nice one.
8.9WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.