Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Carmen — Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, D.O. Maipo Valley, Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
A simple, casual, easygoing Cabernet built for everyday drinking rather than contemplation. Lightly spicy with juicy red and black fruit, soft structure, and friendly tannins, more “Netflix couch wine” than cellar trophy.

Aromas & Flavors
Black currant, red cherry, plum, mild peppery spice, touch of cocoa and gentle oak.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, smooth and approachable, modest tannins, easy finish with no hard edges.

Food Pairings
Burgers, weeknight pasta, roast chicken, tacos, pizza night, or honestly… takeout + sofa.

Verdict
Straightforward and pleasant. Lacks complexity or depth, but delivers exactly what it promises: a relaxed, no-thinking-required pour. Good value, low stress, easy company.

🍷 Did You Know?
Carmen is one of Chile’s historic wineries (founded 1850) and was instrumental in rediscovering Carménère as a distinct variety after it was long mistaken for Merlot.

Personal Pick
Not a study wine, a “second glass without noticing” wine. Perfect for unwinding when the day’s over and the brain is off duty. — 2 days ago

Tom F

9.4

Partner really liked this wine — 8 months ago

Angel Free

9.6

Very good wine - would def drink again — 2 years ago

Giovanna Scoccimarro

9.0

Don't think I've had a south African wine, not bad at all! Was great with seafood... — 4 years ago

Ericsson

9.6

Petrus Night at Teodoro in Playa del Carmen. Bold with evolving character and depth. — a month ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Bright medium ruby with medium wide violet pink rim . This is quite exuberantly fruited on the nose at first , with plum , dark cherry , violets then some dry spices, anis, with some slightly toasty , earthy hints after a while . On the palate this is velvety in texture , medium bodied with red plum , dark cherry , ripe blackberry , with a discreet dried spice note . Balanced alcohol , ripe but lightly grippy tannins , and good freshness . Medium length , with cherry , anis and toasty , earthy notes on the finish. Youthful but certainly enjoyable now and , I would imagine , over the next 5-10 years. — 6 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.2

Delicious. No malo. Step up from the entry level. — 2 years ago

Enrique

9.0

Consistente, paso de boca prolongado y armonioso — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Carmen – Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva 2025
Casablanca Valley – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
A refreshing and youthful 100% Sauvignon Blanc from one of Chile’s premier cool-climate regions. Casablanca Valley is known for its coastal influence and ocean breezes that give whites their piercing freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Classic grassy notes, an abundance of passion fruit, and a sharp lemon peel zest that lingers persistently. Bright and aromatic with a clean edge.

Mouthfeel
Crisp, zesty, and linear in structure. The acidity is razor-sharp, carrying the citrus and tropical fruit flavors through a refreshing finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside ceviche, sushi, goat cheese salads, or even grilled asparagus.

Verdict
A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc that screams coastal freshness—youthful, sharp, and highly refreshing.

Did You Know?
Casablanca Valley is one of Chile’s first coastal appellations to gain worldwide recognition, pioneering cool-climate winemaking in the country in the 1980s. — 4 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.3

A beauty. What Bob McDonald said about this wine is spot on! — 2 years ago