This is leafy and red smelling at first, then becoming raw and candied tasting, with a herbal note. — (3/1/2013) —80

Classic Carmenere aromas of oregano, basil and tomato vie with ripe plum and spice to create an herbal-leaning but honest bouquet. Feels good, with balance and lift to flavors of berry, olive, tobacco and herbs. Mild and short on the finish, but nice for $10. — (6/1/2012) —87

Rubbery black fruit aromas are the opening blast, and this being basic varietal Carmenere, it’s also leafy and herbal. The palate features roasted black fruit flavors that have a green edge, while the feel is warm and chewy. ——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 84

A reedy and odd-smelling wine. No matter how many times you come back to it, there’s the scent of latex and a strange perfume to the nose. In the mouth, it’s tannic and blocky, with saturated black cherry and a funky, unfamiliar twist. And it finishes with rubber, plastic, cotton candy and coconut notes. Can’t say this does much to push Carmenere’s status.——M.S.(5/1/2009)—— 83

Like with the Oops Carmenere/Merlot blend, this varietal bottling tells the story of how Carmenere was discovered in Chile. The wine, however, doesn’t offer a whole lot. It’s hard, rubbery and lightly baked, with grabby tannins supporting midland berry flavors.——M.S.(5/1/2007)—— 83