A step up is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Reserva Privada, a wine which spent 14 months in French oak. The nose reveals spice box, violets, plum, and black cherry. Spicy on the palate with pepper and earth notes, it also has enough tannin to improve for 1-2 years. The lengthy, pure finish suggests that this wine will drink well through 2017. Concha y Toro is Chile’s largest winery in volume and, remarkably given its size, one of its finest in overall quality. However, the entry level Casillero del Diablo range had more misses than hits. The Trio Series is made by one of Chile’s most renowned winemakers, Ignacio Recabarren, who is also responsible for the other-worldly Terrunyo Carmenere Carmin de Peumo. The Trio wines rank with the greatest wine bargains on the planet.Importer: Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY; Tel: (800) 635-6511

A rich, coffee and cassis-soaked wine. As usual, this is a solid production, balancing forward, generous, dark fruit with a fresh feel. The oak is certainly noticeable but doesn''t detract from the wine''s refreshment. £8.99

Sweet and ripe in aromatics, with notes of maple and inky black fruit scents. The palate is rock-solid and thick, with a good texture, tannic grip and flavors of cassis, berry and leather. Composed and medium-long on the sturdy finish. A mix of 85% Cab and 15% Syrah. ——M.S.(7/1/2010)—— 88