Carmen
Gran Reserva Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Maipo Valley, Central Valley, Chile
Good balance of flavours for my taste.
Good balance of flavours for my taste.
2 people found it helpfulDec 27th, 20142018 - 92 rating - smoky strong cab with spice - dry but not too dry
2018 - 92 rating - smoky strong cab with spice - dry but not too dry
1 person found it helpfulOct 25th, 2021So the 97pt rating from Decanter is crazy talk. This is very good but not 97 pt good. Smooth dark fruit, vanilla, and subtle tobacco flavors. Definitely worth the $17 price tag.
So the 97pt rating from Decanter is crazy talk. This is very good but not 97 pt good. Smooth dark fruit, vanilla, and subtle tobacco flavors. Definitely worth the $17 price tag.
1 person found it helpfulJul 16th, 2020
At this price, US$14 / C$22, it's fabulous. It goes really well with sweet kale salad and spiced chicken meatballs with tangy masala dipping sauce.
At this price, US$14 / C$22, it's fabulous. It goes really well with sweet kale salad and spiced chicken meatballs with tangy masala dipping sauce.
1 person found it helpfulJan 13th, 2015
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.
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.
Hay on the nose, dare I say iron filings with a hint of tobacco leaf. Nice dry, approachable cab that worked well alone and with a tomato soup.
Hay on the nose, dare I say iron filings with a hint of tobacco leaf. Nice dry, approachable cab that worked well alone and with a tomato soup.
May 8th, 2024
Bought 2018 TW for $17 w ribeye. Tannins we’re lighter, but still stood up with nice finish. 
Bought 2018 TW for $17 w ribeye. Tannins we’re lighter, but still stood up with nice finish. 
May 3rd, 2023