Koyle 2012 “Gran Reserva” Carmenere, Colchagua Valley

Koyle is one of those wineries that pops into the marketplace once or twice a year, only to disappear as quickly as it came.  The wines are fantastic, but inventory is clearly an issue. I recommend picking them up when you see them.

This is a classic Carmenere, one of the original grapes of Bordeaux and a kissing cousin to Cabernet Sauvignon.   A core of dark fruit offsets the aromatics of pipe tobacco and pencil shavings. Flavors of Earl Grey tea and cassis move into iron shavings and lush chocolate and vanilla. A beautiful bottle of wine.