Attractive spice notes and medium tannins frame the ripe plum and cassis flavors in this red, featuring nuances of licorice, violet and olive paste on the finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 7,500 cases made.??–NW??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Rapel / Colchagua Select to Add

The 2011 Antu Ninquen Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere is a blend of 70% and 30% respectively that is raised in 85% French oak, the rest American, for fourteen months. The nose offers uncomplicated blackberry and dark plum aromas that lack a little tension. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, rounded tannins that encase toasty black fruit that tend to become tight on the dark plum and white pepper finish. It actually improved in the glass when I returned after 10 minutes. Drink now-2017. Amaral is part of the Montgras portfolio that seeks out the cool climate vineyards of the Leyda Valley. The first of the 91 hectares of plantings were in 2006: 66 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc with Chardonnay and more recently Pinot Noir and Syrah beside the Maipo River. The soils are mainly on glacial alluvial deposits. The winemaker is Jaime de la Cerda, who said that he is pursuing a slightly less reductive approach of winemaking.Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642; and Enotria (UK)

Cola, root beer and other earthy aromas open up this full-bodied blend of 70% Cabernet and 30% Carmenere. The palate shows pointed, prickly acidity and flavors of black cherry and cassis. Offers a rich flavor profile but the acidity creates bite and sharpness.——M.S.(7/1/2011)—— 87

Beautiful aromas of chocolate, coffee and dark fruits. Palate shows rich dark berry fruits. Excellent concentration, well integrated and a long, refreshing finish.