Cooper’s pick: wines from signature grapes
Casa Silva, Micro Terroir de Los Lingues Carmenère, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2009 91
£32 Jackson Nugent A consistently good performer from one of Chile’s Carmenère specialists in Colchagua. An inky, espresso and blackberry palate with real richness and balanced acidity that holds it together. Secondary characters evident; at its peak now.
Drink 2018-2020 Alc 14.5%
Pisano, RPF Tannat, Progreso, Uruguay 2013 91
£ 22 Ellis of Richmond, The Vineyard Bury Dried fruit aromatics with gamey, biltong notes. An old-school palate, real structure and concentration. This has a lovely chocolate note, with oakderived sweetness and a firm core behind it. Drink 2018-2024 Alc 13.5%
Bouchon, Las Mercedes Singular Carmenère, Maule Valley, Chile 2015
90 £ 18 Fortnum & Mason, The Secret Cellar, Vinoteca An excellently crafted Carmenère revealing a subtle, attractive herbaceous character. Structured tannins balance excellently with the lively acidity and just a hint of minty freshness. A serious style and great value. Drink 2018-2023 Alc 13.5%
Miguel Torres Chile, La Causa País, Itata Valley, Chile 2016 90
N/A UK www. migueltorres.cl A beautiful and polished expression. Redcurrant fruit with an earthy, tobacco- and spice-laden palate. Fine and firm tannins, graphite minerality. Excellent value and Fairtrade certified. Drink 2018-2021 Alc 13%
Pulenta Estate, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2016 90
£ 22 (2015) Berry Bros & Rudd, Carruthers & Kent, WoodWinters A distinct vanilla and chocolate nose, intermingled with floral notes. Lovely rounded tannins and a soft fruit profile, mulberry and blueberry. Oak is evident and needs to integrate, but there is great intensity and character here. I look forward to seeing this age. Drink 2019-2025 Alc 14%
Doña Paula, Estate Malbec, Gualtallary/ Altamira, Uco Valley, Argentina 2017 89
£ 11.65-£ 13 (2016) Exel, Hallgarten, Great Wines Direct, Strictly Wine Unmistakeable, classic blueberry, plums and some lovely Chinese five spice notes. Fresh and uncomplicated, deliciously drinkable. Great value and excellent barbecue wine. Drink 2018-2022 Alc 13.5%