Los Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 2017

 This wine has been a personal favorite going back to at least the 2006 vintage, and the 2017 release continues a proud tradition.  A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc and 11% Carménère, it is full of aromatic complexities and flavor intricacies — but with no overt wood nor the slightest hint of residual sugar.  Scents and flavors recalling blackberry form the wine’s core of fruit, with accents of dried herbs and cedar.  The tannins are firm but fine-grained, and the acidity keeps this fresh and very well suited to robust foods, which it will both flatter and benefit from on account of the wine’s uncompromising dryness.  Very serious, very classy, and a very good value.