This medium-bodied, forward red mixes juicy black plum notes with assertive tannins, leading to an herb-tinged finish. Drink now. 12,000 cases made.??–NW??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Maipo / Maipo Valley Select to Add

Soft, showing herb, muddled plum, mint and earth notes with a mature-tasting finish. 10,000 cases made, 650 cases imported.??–JM??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Maipo / Maipo Valley Select to Add

The 1999 Merlot Reserva is medium to dark ruby-colored. Appealing jammy blackberries can be discerned in its aromatics. This satin-textured, medium-bodied wine has excellent depth to its spice and dark fruit-flavored core. It is somewhat firm and structured in the finish, yet delivers loads of intense flavors. This is an excellent value. Drink it over the next 4 years. Projected maturity: now-2008. Importer: Billington Distributors, Inc., Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-4700.