J. Bouchon Carménère Block Series

Deep ruby, darker core. Nice nose! Some peppery spice, something like watermelon (seriously), fleshy red fruits, cherry and brambles and a hint of smoke. Barely a touch of that leafy Carmenère character. Very clean, fresh and juicy - feels like they've taken care with this. Some density and richness on the attack, notable mineral grip, and no little spice. There are some oaky notes of coffee and smoke, lovely black raspberry too. Intense, stimulating acidity, a chalkiness to the tannins, …

Lovely nose, real complexity here after an hour standing in the glass. Clearly has the telltale herbal notes but lovely fruit quality underneath, a little heady alcohol (probably more to do with the sample being a little warmer than ideal); elegant, expansive fruit, a mineral character. Grippy tannins show themselves gradually.

Very lifted herbal nose, but not overly so. Warm spice; smooth, lovely purity on the palate. Great fruit. Lovely expression of Carmenere. Elegant.