The 2008 Grial from Apalta - Colchagua is a pure Carmenere, handpicked and aged in new oak for 12 months. It has a lifted, oaky nose of blackberry, cedar and a touch of dark chocolate. The palate has a balanced, tannic entry although I find that the oak dominate the finish at the expense of fruit. Drink now-2017. Importer: Global Vineyard Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 527-5877

This supple, ripe red exhibits notes of raspberry, blackberry, spice and mocha. Firm tannins emerge on the finish, which turns a touch dry with an aftertaste of cedar. Drink now. 608 cases made.??–NW??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Rapel / Colchagua Select to Add

There’s high energy emitting from this jacked-up varietal. Fig, cocoa, moss, cola and blackened fruit aromas introduce a ripped palate of high-volume cherry, plum, berry, chocolate and hard spice flavors. Hard and aggressive before airing; 608 cases made; drink now through 2015.——M.S.(2/1/2012)—— 92