29/12/2013 – Odfjell, Old Vines Carignan 2011, Chile

Odfjell, Old Vines Carignan 2011, Chile
A Norwegian shipping magnate owns this estate in Chile’s Maule Valley, hence the hard to pronounce ‘Odfjell’ name – the family name of owner Dan Odfjell (play the video to hear the pronunciation). Odfjell has made something of a speciality of old vines Carignan, a minor grape of southern France that is making some splendid wines in Chile. This comes from old, unirrigated vineyards, which helps give a natural sense of concentration. On the nose it has beautiful and refined, mineral-touched and fresh black fruit aroma, brushed with crushed raspberry and delicate spice. On the palate there is more of the same: a little oak ageing adds some vanilla, but it is the racy redcurrant and raspberry character, the fresh acidity and smooth tannins that give this such elegance and length. £14.99, Virgin Wines.