Carmen
Founded in 1850, Carmen Winery was the first wine producer in Chile and is still one of the largest to date. Carmen also has vineyard holdings in some of the best growing zones throughout the country allowing Carmen Vineyards to produce a wide array of both red and white wines. Carmen was also one of the main proponents in promoting the cultivation of Carmenere as a Chilean grape variety according to our Carmen wine reviews. Carmen wines are offered in both a Gran Reserva and Gold series from grapes sourced from five different valleys throughout Chile including Casablanca, Leyda, Alto Maipo, Colchagua and Apalta. While the Gran Reserva line of wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, their top tier Gold selection is only produced from Cabernet Sauvignon according to our Carmen wine ratings. To learn more about the wines from this historic Chilean winery be sure to check out our Carmen Online Buying Guide below.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 98
Carmen 1997 Winemaker's Reserve Red (Maipo Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $40
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Grande Vidure, 20% Petite Syrah and 10% Merlot, it is as if you can clearly account for each varietal's contribution. Ripe cassis, cherry, plum, and spice flavors are buttressed by well-integrated oak. Beautifully balanced, it has good acidity and mature tannins, and closes with a long, satisfying finish. Great wine for…
— M.N.
(2/1/2001)
Carmen 2000 Winemaker's Reserve Red (Maipo Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $40
An excellent Bordeaux-style blend. The nose is deep and smoky, with a readiness that’s exemplary. Rich, clean and integrated on the palate, with layering and style. Sure, it’s powerful and fruity, but there’s also some mature subtlety to it. Really hits the spot. One of Carmen’s best wines in years. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons.
— M.S.
(11/1/2005)
Carmen 1999 Winemaker's Reserve Red (Maipo Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $40
An interesting blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 %Carmenere, and 10% each of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Merlot. The seductive aromas of mint, eucalyptus and orange peel are enchanting. Flavors of dill, blackberries and tar lead to a rich, toasty mouthfeel that finishes with firm, well-integrated tannins.
— C.S.
(12/1/2002)
Carmen 2009 Gold Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)
- $50
This big, muscular wine opens with a tidal wave of oaky coconut and vanilla aromas matched against tar, eucalyptus and brushy blackberry. The palate smacks down with tannic bite, while the midlevel is a bit amorphous. Plum, berry, carob and leafy flavors set up an oaky, herbal, saucy tasting finish. Drink now through 2018.
— M.S.
(7/1/2013)
Carmen 1998 Reserve Merlot (Rapel Valley)
- $15
Merlot from Chile is coming up fast and this shows why. The aroma and flavor package is on target with plums, coffee and chocolate predominating. The bell pepper note on the nose is not overbearing. The superb balance and long finish wrap it up nicely.
— M.N.
(2/1/2001)
Carmen 1997 Winemaker's Reserve Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $25
Handsomely constructed, this well-balanced Chardonnay is evidence of Chile's moving up in quality...and price. Attractive apple and tropical fruit aromas and flavors are supported by present, not overwhelming oak. The mouthfeel is round, the acidity adequate and the finish nicely spicy. A solid Chilean competitor in this price range.
— M.M.
(1/1/2004)
Carmen 1999 Reserve Red (Maipo Valley)
- $15
You can detect the Cabernet with its blackberry and cassis notes, but the Carmenère adds a whole other dimension, and a wild one at that. Jammy, animal, smoky and spicy, this is a big wine, and tannic too. Extreme dryness makes it a good food wine, but it will soften in a year or so.
— S.H.
(12/1/2002)
Carmen 2008 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley)
- Best Buy
- Online Exclusive
- $14
Attractive fern and pine aromas mix with scents of green melon and cactus to create a very likable, true-to-Casablanca bouquet. The palate is agile and balanced, with lively green apple, pineapple and grapefruit flavors. With some tang and kick to the mouthfeel and finish, this sophisticated white ranks up there in terms of value for money.
— M.S.
(3/1/2009)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 98
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