Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2010

 An excellent value, this dark, full-bodied red tastes deep and rich, with a faintly herbal undertone, and a surprisingly long, layered finish.  It’s rare to find wines at this price point that offer so much character.  Earthy but at the same time full of fruit, it serves as a reminder that first-class wine need not cost a small fortune.