2018 Errazuriz Kai Carmenère
Producer: Errazuriz
Region: Aconcagua Valley
Country: Chile
Grapes: 95% Carmenère, 5% Syrah
Vintage: 2018
ABV: 14%
Vivino: 4.3
Drink By: 2030
Occasional Wine Note: This is the only single varietal Carmenère in our portfolio. Yes, there is a touch of Syrah in this, but the Carmenère is the star. Carmenère has traditionally been a minor blending grape for all of those big Left Bank Bordeauxs. In Chile it's become one of the most important varieties, and this offering is an excellent representation of just how good it can be. It doesn't hurt that we have excellent wine making here is on display.
James Suckling
Critic Score: 95
This is a very sophisticated Kai with aromas of blackberries, blueberries, violets and graphite that follow through to a full body with creamy, polished tannins that show tension and focus. The tannins are borderless.
Wine Advocate
Critic Score: 93
The 2018 Kai was produced with Carmenère and 5% Syrah from their Aconcagua vineyards 60 kilometers away from the sea. It has good ripeness, a medium to full body with 14% alcohol, integrated oak and a creamy texture after spending 22 months in French oak barrels, 67% of which were new. It keeps a riper varietal profile with generous spice and herbs, without heaviness and with fine tannins.