89+ pts Wine Advocate Issue #230 April 2017
The 2015 Legado Carmenere is produced from stony alluvial soils from Maipo where they have found they can get a spicy and fruit-driven wine with a notable absence of herbal aromas they don’t like. As in most cases, it’s vital to be able to harvest early through viticulture, irrigation and yields to be able to keep the natural acidity in the grapes. 2015 was a warmer year, but the higher temperatures of the last three years were partially compensated by more rain; in the end, they consider 2015 a very good year for Carmenere in the region (not the case for 2016). The vines were planted ungrafted in Isla de Maipo, where the winery is located, between 1992 and 1998 from a massale selection. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts after a cold soak and matured in used barrels for 19 months. There are no herbal aromas here; it’s spicy, with a touch of paprika (or the Chilean spice mix merken), something earthy and with good elegance. The palate is very serious and balanced, incredible for Carmenere. 38,645 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2016.
90 pts James Suckling May 2017
A subtle and layered carmenere with blackberry, black chocolate and hints of spice. Medium body, fresh finish. Made from organic grapes. Drink now.