The 1999 Laura Hartwig Carmenere is medium to dark ruby-colored and offers blackberry and fresh herb aromas. It has excellent depth of fruit in its medium-bodied, spicy, cedar and blackberry-flavored personality. Leather, tar, tobacco, and assorted spices can be found throughout this excellent value's satiny-textured character and in its appealing finish.Importer: Daniel Johnnes/Jeroboam Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 625-2505.

Like any textbook Carmenere, you’ll encounter plenty of deep black berry fruit and a hint of green pepper in the nose. The mouth is supersoft yet full, with pepper and chocolate flavors mingling with mint and ripe plums. It’s definitely an easy-drinking red wine made to consume now. Best Buy. ——M.S.(3/1/2002)—— 87