The 2009 Tributo Syrah (55%) – Cabernet Sauvignon (38%) – Viognier (7%) is reminiscent of a quality blend from Australia’s McLaren Vale. Meat, game, exotic spices, floral notes, and blueberry lead to a tasty wine that is a bit too compact on the palate. It has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years so perhaps it will fill out with additional cellaring. Importer: Buena Cepa Wines, Miami, FL; tel. (786) 347-9249

The 2006 Tributo Edicion Limitada Shiraz (60%)-Cabernet Sauvignon (34%)-Viognier (6%) is purple-colored with an already complex bouquet of wood smoke, cedar, spice box, floral notes, blackberry, and blueberry. Smooth textured and rich on the palate, the wine has gobs of savory, spicy black fruit flavors, excellent balance, and a lengthy, pure finish. Give it 2-3 years to fully develop and drink it through 2020. 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

Starts with a piercing punch of oak that brings scents of cinnamon but also asphalt and pepper. The palate is drying but solid, with snappy fruit and ample spice. For a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier it’s almost interesting but not entirely compelling at $30.——M.S.(11/15/2008)—— 86