TN's on 1997 Carmen Reserve Merlot?

[Drew]

Could someone provide TN's on the 1997 Carmen Reserve Merlot from Chile? Thanks

Drew

[mrdutton]

I can not offer my personal notes on the wine but this is what Wine Spectator says:

1997 Merlot Rapel Valley Reserve - 89 points - Highly Recommended - A lush and ripe Chilean red, offering deep plum, licorice and chocolate flavors, yet remaining lively on the palate, with polished tannins and a clean, fresh finish. It's focused and concentrated enough to improve with age.Drink now through 2007. (10000 cases produced)

[Drew]

For anyone interested, we popped the bottle tonight and here are the Tn's. Medium body, dark clear color. The nose is very oakey, similar to a Gallo cab, as a matter of fact the oak is very prominent. Very ripe flavors of cassis, plum and earth with a medium to long earthy finish. Soft tannins. Not an exciting wine, could have more upfront fruit IMHO.

Drew

[Drew]

Well, day 2....after the first glass of Carmen I put her away, using vacu vin. The next night after work opened her up and wow! what a difference. The oak had subsided and some fruit moved in. Very enjoyable. I may just have to invite Carmen back in the future and let her breath a little longer than 1 hour.

Drew

[winecollector]

I've always been of the opinion, when a wine does that to me, I should have let it age longer. When I opened one of my 82' Bordeaux's from St. Emilion, it took about a week for the fruit to be what it should. Am I mistaken about continuing to age them? Or am I neglecting the need to decant?