The 2007 Amplus One is composed of 75% Carmenere, 20% Syrah, and 5% Carignan. It spent 12 months in 70% new French oak. The bouquet includes mineral, earth notes, coffee, roasted herbs, and blueberry. Supple-textured, complex, and full-flavored, this nicely balanced wine will evolve for several years and drink well through 2020. Santa Ema makes reliably excellent wines at fair prices from the bottom to the top of its portfolio.Importer: TGIC Imports, Woodland Hills, CA; Tel: (800) 924-0030

Give it air time and it’ll give back floral raspberry and cherry aromas in front of a racy, forward-style palate that’s got cherry and red plum flavors and integrated spice. Not overbearing; clean and dry on the finish. Atypical for a Carmenere-led prestige wine; it’s more streamlined and red in character. ——M.S.(7/1/2010)—— 87