The 2006 Carmenere spent 12 months in seasoned oak with malolactic fermentation in barrel. It offers an alluring nose of violets, plum, and blueberry compote. Nicely extracted, chewy, and intensely flavored, this plush effort is a crowd pleaser that should continue giving for another four years. Arboleda manages to produce a large quantity of wine while maintaining a high level of quality at friendly prices.Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Good if you like a big-boned red wine with plenty of extract, tannin and depth. The dark color gives this one away: it’s chunky and grabby but also ripe, flush and receptive to airing. Hints of the herbals confirm that it’s Carmenere.——M.S.(9/1/2008)—— 85