'03 Primus Merlot-Cabernet S.-Carmenere

[Innkeeper]

2003 Vermonte, Primus, Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere, Casabanca Valley Chile ($14.99 NH Liq Store). Alcohol level: 14.5%. When you pour this one into a decanter, it is had to believe that this a Merlot upfront blend. It is pitch black in color, just about totally opaque. The percentages are 43-36-21% in order of listing.

Gives lots of red and black fruit to the nose and tongue tip. More dark fruit with almost a raiseny note and even a hint of tar all add to the rich velvety texture in the middle, and finish goes on and on. This is best Chilean wine we've had in a long time.

Matched it with whole loin ends seasoned with Morton rub and sauteed in EVOO, roast baby Yukon golds, and salad. Yum, yum. Is this Wednesday?

[Bucko]

This is one of the best values on the market right now IMHO.

[Bucko]

BTW, I just posted on the '04 version under best buys.

[VouvrayHead]

Had this tonight...
Brought it to a party and didn't eat any food with it, which might of helped, but I wasn't a huge fan.
Too much oak and too much softness for me...
It was well-extracted and full of flavor, just wasn't a style I liked.

Simply my opinion, pay no mind! [img]http://wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
Everyone else liked it!

[This message has been edited by VouvrayHead (edited 12-17-2006).]

[Innkeeper]

Had mine with food. Could have been the difference. Whatever to each his (her) own.