Primus Carmenere 2014

Veramonte Winery- Alto Maipo, Maipo Valley
Agustin Humeeus founded the Veramonte vineyard in late 1990s He also founded the Quintessa estate in Rutherford Napa in 1990 (plus  Faut Winery and Flowers Winery in Napa) after working for Seagram in the 70s. Received a knighthood in Chile for his services in 2010. Sold to gonzales byass (family company founded 1835 famous for sherry) the 2 chilean wineries. Now 300 ha with 3 mio liters
They were the first to come to Casbalanca Valley to grow SB in 1980 (Cool breeze from ocean) in Casablanca, SB Chard PN are the key grapes for them. They also have a vineyard in Colchagua Valley.
Maipo Valley at base of Andes mountains, south of Santiago next to Maipo river. Soil based on alluvial terraces similar to Bordeaux (Primus on third terrace) with alluvial soils, excellent drainage and moderate fertility. Rocky soils give wine minerality . Organic expect to be biodynamic in future (make their own compost, sheep eat the grass)
Open top tanks, double walls. First 5 days maceration at low temp, then fermentation at no more than 20 degrees. Native yeast only. Pumping over 3 times a day for 20 days. Wine evolves slower in French oak (smaller pores) also vanilla flavour vs tobacco flavour for american barrels.). 
Primus Carmenere from colchagua 2016, 20% new barrel for 12 months
Deep ruby a bit pink and purple, Black pepper, rosemary, cumin, smoky
Medium+ acid, medium + body, long finish, juicy - Very nice 4 st