Mayu Appassimento Gran Reserva Carmenère 2020

The nose of the 2020 Carmenere Gran Reserva Appassimento reminded me of some Touriga Nacional from Portugal more than any other Carmenere. It was produced in a very unusual way, of course, as part of the grapes are left hanging in the vineyard for two extra months; they are harvested at two times, 40% in April and the remaining 60% in June, trying to replicate the Amarone process. But here they can have the grapes hanging on the vine because they have very dry weather, and the bunches stay healthy but lose some 35% of the volume. Sixty percent of the wine matured in American oak barrels for eight to 10 months. This has 5.5 grams of residual sugar and 14.5% alcohol, a round palate with ripe tannins and a juicy mouthfeel. Very different. Drink date: 2023-2027. Score – 91. (Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.com, April 6, 2023)