WTN: Rothschild Chile, Concha Carmenere, Vergelegen

Notes from a dinner at Lemuria.

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile Maipo Chardonnay Reserva 2002 - Good fruit. Pineapple and melon. A bit nutty. Gentle, well-judged use of oak. Long finish. Pretty good and good QPR as well.

Concha y Toro Terrunyo Carmenere 2003 - Poured through a Vinturi wine aerator. Very dark. Good, sweet fruit nose. Black fruit. Jam, but not in a cloying way. Deep flavor. Blueberry, chocolate. Very dry, long finish. Definitely needs more time but should be excellent in a few more years.

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile Escudo Rojo 2006 - Not sure if this is pure cab or a Bordeaux blend. Red fruit, strawberry and raspberry. Sweet fruit. Some coffee. Rather light, Pinot Noir-like. A drink now style. Arnie didn't like it but I thought it was pretty good.

Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 - Very dark. Smoky, tannic, shrill acidity. Dried fruit and tobacco. Disjointed. Not showing well.

I know we had a lengthy thread about it, but what do you think of that Aerator? I could actually taste a difference when it was demonstred for me.

Brian,

I tried it the first time a month ago with a Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi. There was a perceptible difference. The wine passed through the Vinturi was definitely softer but otherwise no other difference. This time, with the Carmenere, The one poured through the Vinturi was not only softer but also had a better, sweeter aroma. I'm convinced it works.

The Escudo Rojo is a blend, and I seem to recall that it's not always just Bordeaux grapes in the mix.