Recommended

Below are notes from a recent tasting (and fingertip-staining) of Chilean carmenere, most ringing up for $20 or less. They are listed in ascending order according to price. 2014 Vina Maquis Gran Reserva Carmenere. From the Colchagua Valley, this wine featured notes of blackberry, candied fruit and herbs, with a caramel finish and 13.5 percent alcohol. $13 2013 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carmenere. Red and black fruits were joined by forest floor and damp earth notes in this wine, aged 15 months in barrels. $13 2015 Lapostolle Grand Selection Carmenere. Fresh bursts of juicy red and dark fruits, plus spice notes, characterized this mouthwatering Rapel Valley wine — worth more than its asking price. $14 2014 Vina La Playa Tinga Block Selection Reserve Carmenere. Blackberry and herbs led to a mocha finish in this 100 percent varietal aged in both French and American oak barrels. $15 2012 William Fevre La Mision Gran Reserva Carmenere. Red fruit aromas were joined by raspberry, blackberry, red bell pepper and cocoa notes in this rich and luscious Maipo Valley wine. $15 2013 Los Vascos Grande Reserve Carmenere. Cherry, licorice, blackberry and black pepper led to a sustained spicy finish in this Colchagua Valley winner aged 12 months in French oak barrels. $18 2012 Montes Alpha Carmenere. A 90/10 blend of Carmenere and cabernet sauvignon, this zesty wine offered notes of plum, blackberry, herbs, baking spices and chocolate, plus 14.5 percent alcohol. $20 2015 Casa Silva Los Lingues Vineyard Carmenere. Blueberry, blackberry, herbs, tobacco, black pepper and smoke were all present in this 100 percent varietal from the Colchagua Valley. $20 2014 Alcance Gran Reserva Carmenere. Blackberry and other dark fruits were joined by vanilla, cedar, smoke and spice in this 90/10 Carmenere/cabernet sauvignon blend from the Maule Valley. $22 2013 Vina Ventisquero Grey Carmenere. Black cherry, red and dark fruits, minerality, earth and animale all commingled in this Maipo Valley wine aged 18 months in French oak barrels. $24 2012 Vina Valdivieso of Chile Single Vineyard Carmenere. Rich, sweet dark fruits were joined by mocha, menthol and a touch of spice in this 100 percent varietal beauty. $25