The 2007 Carmenere Reserva is purple-colored with an expressive bouquet of spice box, black raspberry and black cherry, this medium-bodied wine has lots of succulent blue and black fruits on the palate, a friendly personality, and a finish with no hard edges. Drink this superb value over the next three years. Montgras produces wine under several labels (Montgras, Amaral, Intigra, and Ninquen) and a range of prices.Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642; www.palmbay.com

Has good ripeness, with tobacco leaf, plum and black cherry notes backed by an echo of pepper on the smoky finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases made, 18,000 cases imported.??–JM??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Rapel / Colchagua Valley Select to Add

Here’s one of the standout Best Buy reds of the season out of Chile. There’s welcoming grapeball and sweet berry aromas mixed with olive and tobacco. The feel is smooth and medium-deep, and the blackberry and plum flavors are just right. Barely herbal, with a long finish. Carmenere in its simple glory.——M.S.(11/15/2008)—— 90