($16). An intriguing Bordeaux blend (Carmenere,
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot),
this well-priced Chilean red offers sturdy
body and structure, with deep black cherry,
green herbs, tobacco and roasted coffee
aromas and flavors, with a wave of sweet
vanillin oak on the full finish. Perfect
with a grilled steak or mixed grill --
indeed, it needs food. Ready to drink
now and over the next two or three years.
(Weekend Wine 04/05)
($12). Lean blackberry
and cherry flavors are matched by rather
strong dried herb notes. Ready to drink
now. (Robyn's Picks 07/07)
($48). Deep and grapey aromas with a definite
espresso thread. Then smooth and supple
on the palate, with warm spices lacing
ripe plum and cherry. Stays intense through
the long finish, picking up a sweet tobacco
note. Ready to drink now and over the
next four or five years. A Carmenere,
Petit Verdot blend. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
($56). Blockbuster stuff, with rich black
currant and blackberry flavors accented
with sweet tobacco, earth, mocha and exotic
spices. Nothing shy about this wine, from
start to full-bodied finish, with some
definite grip throughout. A blend of 55%
Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon,
15% Carménère. Ready to
drink now and over the next four or five
years. (Drinks with Les Dames 02/08)
($22). Interesting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon
(50%), Merlot (30%) and Syrah (20%). Concentrated,
with extracted red fruit flavors, white
pepper and spicy dark chocolate notes.
Long finish. Ready to drink now and over
the next two or three years. (Weekend
Wine, 12/03)
($50). Opulent and lush, with a deep violet
color and heady black currant, chocolate
and spice aromas that carry through on
the palate, along with espresso, tobacco
and earthy notes. Finishes long and strong
with a toasty oak character. A blend of
Malbec (90%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Quite
impressive -- especially for just the
second release of this proprietary blend
from Chile. Ready to drink now and over
the next three years. (Weekend Wine 11/04)
