The 2006 Carmenere Tribute, my favorite of the quartet, offers spice box and blueberry aromas, a smooth texture, excellent depth, and layers of flavor. When you find a well-made, value-priced Carmenere, it’s well worth a try. It will drink well for another 5-7 years. Caliterra’s less expensive Reserva lineup did not move me but the Tribute portfolio was excellent. Each of the wines spent 14 months in French and American oak.Importer: A.V. Brands, Inc., Columbia, MD; tel. (410) 884-9463; www.caliterra.cl

With 14% Malbec and Syrah thrown in, this Carmenere is fresh, tightly wound and balanced. It starts with controlled herbal-vegetal aromas along with cherry, raspberry and tarragon. The palate has olive and spice to accent deep black fruit, and the finish is a little oaky but not what you’d call overdone or drying. Full-bodied and textbook for the variety and appellation. ——M.S.(11/15/2008)—— 88