Medium ruby colored with medium viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has medium (-) intensity aromas of funky green pepper, smoke, licorice, black cherry, mint, espresso, dark chocolate, blackberry and black raspberry.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, medium body and medium (-) tannins.  The flavor profile is more fruit driven versus the nose, which was funky and oak derived.  Black plum, black raspberry and coffee dominate with the greeness finally appearing on the mid palate.  There is less complexity here but the easy drinking structure makes it pleasant.  The finish is of decent length and I am actually enjoying the pyrazine sourced green notes, which I used to dislike immensely.  This is a $23 bottle that scored big, I am going with 89 points and therefore 4 stars.  We are pairing it with Lamb chops- I was hoping for more acidity and tannins but it will do.  Drink till 2026.  Salut….

I just got back from a week in Florida where I got to taste a few wines, albeit not under the greatest conditions or with the correct glasses.  Here goes nothing…

Medium ruby colored with medium viscosity (13.5% ABV).  Medium (-) intensity aromas of capsicum, bilberry, fresh cut oak, juniper and white raspberry.  On the palate I get medium acidity, medium (-) body and medium (-) tannins.  Medium (-) intensity flavors of the aforementioned aromas resulting in a short finish.  Pleasant but not complex or memorable- good if you’re looking for a greenish Carmenere without being too vegetal.  85 points for this $10 bottle made by Concha Y Toro makes it a 3 star effort to drink soon.  Salut….

Medium ruby colored with slight staining and a medium viscosity (13.5% ABV).  The nose has telltale pyrazines with some green veggie notes along with blackberry, black raspberry, menthol, vanilla, cocoa and charred oak. The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity and lithe tannins.  A medium body is layered with blackberry and black raspberry.  The green note has faded but the oak nuance is present.  The finish is a touch tart and goes on for a medium length.  Not overly complex- this is a weekday pleasure that will go great with Beef and Ale pie, lamb chops or grilled sausages.  88 points for this $8 effort makes it a 5 star wine to load up on and drink till 2025.  Salut….