Neyen, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 2008

This high-end blend of 80% Carmenère and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon shows yet again that Carmenère can threaten the world’s established noble varieties when handled deftly in the vineyard and cellar. Dark and deeply flavored, this shows tastefully restrained vanilla and smoke scents atop a core of fruit recalling blackberries, dark cherries and black currents. Neither green nor over-ripe, is offers big flavors in a balanced mode, and though you wouldn’t want to serve it with anything much less robust than grilled meat or aged cheese, this shows real class, and isn’t just another kick-down-the-door “statement wine.”