Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2008

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month.  As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010.  The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine.  The Arboleda 2006 was more full bodied with lots of  earth, green pepper and tobacco.  It lacked any fruit with the exception of some black current or some black raspberry in the mouth.  The Concha y Toro Marques de Concha Casa 2007 was much different with more fruit aromas and less earth and tobacco.  Although I would like to try the Arboleda with a thick grilled steak, the Marques de Concha Casa was more versatile and would do well with chicken, stews, burgers and pizza.

Tonight I uncorked another Carmenere from Concha y Toro, the Casillero del Diablo 2008 Reserve.  Again I found something much different than the previous two, maybe a bit in-between.
There was a little dark cherry and blueberry hidden under the aromas of  tobacco and chocolate. The mouth was offering the same with a little spice leading to a dry, but peppery finish.  I did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese.  The price was also right for this one, at $10 you can't go wrong.
The Marques de Concha Casa, at $20, was definitely the best of the three, although the Casillero del Diablo was a great buy. I'm still not sold on Carmenere.   In a few months I will try another three and hopefully three more before the year ends. It'll be fun!!!





Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)
Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005 (Italy)
Lamoreaux Landing, dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Agent for Change (Martellotto Wines) Zinfandel 2006 (California)
Fulkerson Winery Dornfelder 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007 (NY)
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 (California) *organic
Lakewood Vineyards Riesling 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2007 (NY)
Cline Cellars Cashmere 2008 (California)
Bogle Winery Petite Sirah 2007 (California)
Arboleda Carmenere 2006 (Chile)
Concha y Toro Concha Marques de Concha Casa Carmenere 2007 (Chile)