Top Picks for Carmenère

Dusty garnet color. Aromas of crisp green pepper, ripe cherry, sugar snap peas, black tea, and chocolate tart with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-long ripe plum and roasted nuts finish with moderate oak flavor. A vibrant and youthful Carmenère ready to drink now or cellar.

Black ruby color. Aromas of ripe apples, figs, sultanas, leather, roasted carrots, star anise, and tomato jam with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long autumn leaves and ripe plums finish with moderate oak flavor. A rich, complex and wonderfully integrated Carmenére.

Dark violet color. Aromas of roasted peppers, peppercorns, and sage with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, nuanced, medium-long blistered blueberries, polished oak, toasted sesame, and slate finish with moderate oak flavor. A firm and steadfast Carmenere with bold notes of Oregon terroir and structure built to last.

Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of black peppercorns, plum pastry, sumac, hibiscus, and dried peppers with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, charming, medium-length finish displaying suggestions of char-roasted fruit with leafy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A smoky and savory red with table-tuned acidly; distinctive and delicious.

Ruby black color. Roasted, fruity aromas and flavors of roasted pomegranate and nuts, singed dark chocolate, and gherkin with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, delightful, medium-long finish with notes of roasted beets and yams, smoked nuts, and cedar plank with soft, chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A spot-on smoky carmenere that will be great with grilled fare.

Garnet black color. Aromas of chocolate, roasted figs and dates, fire-roasted mixed bell pepper, and peppercorns with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an effortless, charming, medium-long pickled blackberries and grilled bread finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A wide-appealing Carmenère with an alluring nose; great for steaks.

Deep purple color. Aromas of blistered blueberries, earthy mushrooms, grilled bell pepper, and cumin with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a polished, appealing, medium-long aniseed and leather finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A velvety Carmenère with plenty of earthy appeal.

Deep purple color. Smoky aromas and flavors of flame-grilled bell peppers, blistered blackberries, olive focaccia, hints of sesame, and soy with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sleek, agreeable finish that shows notes of coriander seed with moderate oak flavor. A smoky, spicy, fruity Carmenere for grilling and chilling.

Ruby black color. Aromas of smoked jerky, chocolate, roasted berries, and cedar with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a sleek, engaging, medium-long chocolate Craisins, tomato and herb compote on grilled toast, dark roasted nuts, and white ash finish with fine, dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. An attractively smoky and savory Carmenere that will complement grilled fare.

Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas of strawberry preserves, roasted root vegetables, smoked cherries, and sun dried tomatoes with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length dark chocolate and raisin finish. A silky smooth, earthy carmenere that’s easy to pair.