Ridiculous funk on opening: gorgeous, supple baby-poop, pond-water and sharp sullen vegetal coating the nose. No sediment in the curageous flint bottling though. Gradually, deep cherry emits from the depths, a spicy melange of cinnamon and berry, ripe and slightly touched by tertiary. Still, the gritty angst of asphalt and roasted wet leaves never fades.
In the mouth, it’s begging for a bit of a chill, as warmth does not do the bright body any favors. Still and calm, the fruit flacid but focused on ripe roundness with slight background hints at spiciness. Chilled a bit does not take away from the funky bouquet, but enlivens and enspirits the fruit to wonderful levels. It’s dank and gritty–as Carignan should be–lush with plum and base instincts. A beautiful bargain wine you should NOT skip if you find it.
2019 VINAMAITIA ‘Aupa Pipeno’ Pais/Carignan 80/20 Secano Interior Pais Chile 13.0
Stephen McConnell 