Soft, attractive smoke, savoury, mocha, ripe berry and spicy brambly fruit aroma. Sweet, juicy and jammy palate with dark brooding fruit and bitter chocolate layers. Aspirational with some elegance. Alc: 14%.

The 2006 Carmenere Gran Reserve spent 8 months in French oak. The nose exhibits cedar, spice box, blueberry, and black currants. This is followed by a structured wine with 1-2 years of aging potential. It has excellent intensity and depth as well as a fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next five years. Importer: Prestige Wine Group, Princeton, MN; www.prestigewinegroup.com

This Carmenere starts out a bit austere and full of varietal character, meaning there’s olive, roast tomato, dill and pickle on the nose. But there’s also perfectly ripe plum to back it up, and excellent feel and balance to boot. Chewy enough but more racy. Imported by Prestige Wine Group.——M.S.(3/1/2006)—— 87