2007 Carmin de Peumo

The 2007 Carmin de Puemo is a blend of 90% Carmenere, 6.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.5% Cabernet Franc from Rapel and Maipo Valley. It has a powerful, burly nose with blueberry and cassis, although it lacks delineation and finesse. The palate is smooth on the entry, but the tannins are slightly coarse and there is bitterness on the smoky, tobacco finish. Drink now. Concha y Toro needs no introduction. I did not have time to visit their facility, but driving past it, one could not help but be impressed by its size. For many around the world, Concha y Toro forms their entrance to Chilean wine. With an exhausting array of wines from seemingly every corner of Chile, I found their wines to play it safe. Few reached the standards I expected, even if many represent good value. At the top end, the wines were good rather than great vis-a-vis its peers, with the notable exception of the Don Melchor. Importer: Excelsior Wine Company; www.banfivintners.com