Viña Palo Alto Red Bordeaux Blend Valle del Maule Reserva 2008

Deep red. Attractively perfumed scents of blackberry and blueberry, with a subtle floral quality adding interest. Round and fleshy, with straightforward dark berry flavors and a supple texture. Sweet, rather simple dark fruits linger on the finish, with a gentle minerality adding bite.

Robust, almost brawny in style, with a hefty layer of coffee and bacony toast fronting dark plum and currant fruit. Tobacco and loam notes frame the muscular finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah. Drink now through 2011.

Well oaked and smoky, with aromas of coffee, mocha, black olive and roasted fruits. The palate is lively and ripe, with pointed tannins and red-fruit flavors with black edges and olive. A compact, solid mix of Cabernet, Carmenère and Syrah.

This Chilean wine is part of Banfi Cellars portfolio. It is a scrumptious blend of Cabernet 60%, Carmenere 25%, Syrah 15%. Dense and full bodied, the wine has dark fruit flavors with a nice balance of spice and oakiness. This would pair nicely with spicy grilled sausages.

A trio of superstar grapes - Cabernet, Carménère and Syrah - combine to produce a brightly colored, dark magenta wine. Beautiful aromas of cassis, violets and herbs express youthful, perfumy fruit. Bright, clean flavors follow with blackberries galore, dark cherries and a dash of black pepper. A full-bodied, chewy red that delivers both elegance and structure, finishing with palate-coating fruit and fine tannins.

Bright violet color. Red currant, cherry, herbs and rose on the nose. Light-bodied, sweet cherry-vanilla and spice flavors are moderately concentrated but lively and nicely focused. Fine-grained tannins add shape and carry through a juicy, energetic finish. This pretty tasty right now.

The 2007 Palo Alto Reserva is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carmenere, and 15% Syrah. Aromas of cedar, tobacco, spice box, cassis, and blueberry are enticing. This is followed by a plush, crowd-pleasing wine with gobs of flavor and a fruit-filled finish. It is a remarkable value for drinking over the next three years.