Carmen Gold 2021 receives 95 points from James Suckling

The US wine critic also awarded Matorral Chileno 2022 with 95 points.

February 2023. The renowned US wine critic published the results of the wines tasted by his representative Zekun Shuai during his visit to Viña Carmen. He awarded Carmen Gold 2021 and Carmen DO Matorral Chileno 2022 with 95 points, reaching the highest score compared to the other labels of the brand.

Carmen Gold 2021, Viña Carmen’s icon, reflects the essence of the Alto Jauel terroir. Zekun Shuai commented, “a very precise and complex cabernet here with a spicy edge and a hint of tamarind to the black cherries and cassis. Hints of charcoal and smoke, too. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with really firm but dissolved tannins driving it to a very linear and precise finish”.

Carmen DO Matorral Chileno 2022, a wine from Maule Valley and described by Suckling´s representative as “a racy and precise nose with lots of red cherries, plums and boysenberries. Really juicy and vibrant on the palate with a firm, linear set of tannins that drive it to a long, focused finish, full of fruit”.

In addition, Carmen Delanz Apalta 2021, Carmen Delanz Alto Jahuel 2021, Carmen DO Florillón #5 and Carmen DO Quijada Semillón 2021 were awarded with 94 points.

For Shuai, Carmen Delanz Apalta 2021 stands out for “some nice blue fruit, cherries and graphite characters here. Flowers and herbs as well. The precise and medium-bodied palate delivers bright acidity and a very precise finish”. While, referring to Carmen Delanz Alto Jahuel 2021, he said that this wine “has an attractively floral nose with bright cherries and an olive and leafy note that goes well with the fruit. Juicy, precise and linear with grainy and dusty tannins. Long and focused.”

Carmen DO Florillón #5 from the Colchagua Valley and born as an idea to enhance the union with producers from different parts of Chile was well evaluated by Shuai due to its unique and different flavor.  He emphasizes that Carmen DO Florillón #5 has “bruised green apples, white almond, sour cream and sourdough yeastiness. Subtle seaweed. Pure and tangy, but elegant on the palate with a saline edge. Long and bright finish. Very gastronomic.”

For Shuai, Carmen DO Quijada Semillon 2021 stood out for “mellow and nicely creamy on the nose with lemon peel, lemon curd pastry and minerals. However, no oak here! Really elegant, pure and bright on the palate with real finesse and energy”.

The Suckling representative awarded with 93 points Carmen Gran Reserva Carignan 2022 and Carmen DO Loma Seca Cinsault 2022.

Other outstanding scores for Viña Carmen:

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2021, 92 points.

–        Carmen Brut Nature Método Tradicional, 92 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah 2021, 92 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

–        Cabernet Franc 2021, 91 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, 91 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere 2021, 91 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2022, 91 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Rosé 2021, 91 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Petite Sirah 2021, 91 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2022, 91 points.

–        Carmen Gran Reserva Merlot 2021, 90 points.