Sweetness hits through at once and yes, does mask the lack of real interest. But I paid less than $7 dollars for this and am thinking it's great value for the full fruity flavour, body, oak and general modern REDNESS of the wine. It is very mellow for a Carmenere it has to be said, and I think would be popular with folk who normally find the grape a bit alien. But when you close your eyes there are a number of different flavour strands which make this interesting, including some tannin and leathery qualities.

Utile (4)  

Forceful aroma - brambly, spicey, leathery. Full-flavoured and full-bodied on the palate. Plenty of flavour dominated by briary blackberries and a healthy smear of tannin to remind you this is Carmenere. Oaky notes and sweet new world fruit that masks a slight lack in complexity of flavour and a touch too much alcohol but it drinks very nicely, especially with food. Classily packaged, heavy weight tapered bottle. High alcohol at 14.5%.

Utile (2)