This Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, which we purchased for well under $10 at Trader Joe’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has a surprising bite to it. It’s a good bite, but it is unexpected in a Cabernet. By bite, I am trying to describe an almost stinging sensation on the front of the tongue (as if you dipped your tongue into black pepper). The color of this Chilean wine is ruby red. The nose is damp wood (like a just rained-on deck) with intense raspberries and cherries. The taste is very fruity and full-bodied with a lengthy finish. The wine is growing on me; the longer I swirl and taste, the more I like it!
Tom: This Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich bouquet and a chocolaty taste, with a surprising acidity and pepperiness to it. This is a very interesting and complex cabernet and at a great price. We enjoy these South American wines in particular right now because they keep us thinking about Tony and George (who having been communicating well with us lately from that continent). They seem to be having great adventures in the high altitudes of Peru, meeting up with American friends and making local friends as well. They’re at Lake Titicaca now.
In the meantime, Trigger is enjoying the beginning of the Michigan summer. In the mornings she follows the sun as it hits the east-facing stairs.
