Lovely, pure raspberry and cassis fruit, with elegant smoke and mineral notes. Subtle vanilla edge to the long, creamy finish. Not as powerful as the region's top wines, but a fine expression of fruit and balance. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère. Drink now through 2005. 500 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–JM??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Rapel / Colchagua Valley Select to Add

At two-thirds Cabernet, 20% Merlot and 15% Carmenere, this French oak-aged beauty features earth, rose petals and some bread dough on its bouquet. The wine represents the top of the line for the boutique Santa Laura winery, and it competes favorably with the best Chile has to offer, but at a fraction of the price. It’s layered, creamy and large, with tannins that are as soft as silk. ——M.S.(3/1/2002)—— 90