Review: 2017 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Malbec

 

We are sadists. That's the only thing I can think of to explain why we are doing, what we are doing. A few weeks ago we spent two weeks' worth of posting doing a surface dive on Chilean wines, with mixed results. But between the two of us, we aren't done, oh no. There were still some bottles left in the boxes. So now we are doing an encore under protest, starting with this 2017 offering from the Rapel valley, the largest producing wine region in Chile's central valley, where Carmenere is usually the name of the game.

Nose: Forest floor, raspberry, and a touch of rhubarb. Sweeter with each pass but the earthy notes keep the presence known. Time in the glass brings out some unripe strawberries. 

Palate: Surprising amount of acidity, with more red fruit and plum coming up from below. The raspberry continues to get chewy and keeps expanding. There's a little bit of oak arriving as I swallow, and it's pleasant but not dominating.

Finish: Long and enjoyable. The notes are pretty much as advertised on the palate, with the red fruit lingering on and on for quite some time. 

This was a surprisingly respectable bottle and for under $20 a decent purchase that doesn't hurt the wallet. One of the better Chilean offerings we've had this entire experience. Well done. 

$18 

Santa Carolina