LCBO description proved accurate. Taste remained on the palate for several minutes and I would add a deep bitter chocolate flavor on the immediate tasting. Opened up nicely to decanting.

Foremost, I must point out that this release of 2008 Chilensis Reserva Carmenère is not the same wine as the one that was released on April 3rd 2010, which I still have in my cellar and was able to refer to. First, its lacking complexity - it is medium bodied with fruity notes reminiscent of blackberry/pomegranate juice with a tough of raspberry. Second, despite refined tannins the finish is moderate and third, it's a screw top - not worth aging. My impression: NOTHING SPECIAL to NICE, 87 pts - should belong more so in the under $10 category. Tasted Jan/11

Previous rating: This fruity, medium to full bodied Carmenere has aromas of vanilla and amalgamated blackberry, blueberry, black cherry. To my pleasant surprise, the usual Carmenere greenery (green pepper note) is completely absent. It has refined tannins (decant for 15 to 30 min) and medium to long finish. It should evolve nicely for the next 5 years at least with the fruit easing off and spicy and animal notes coming forth. I bought this wine when it came out on Apr 03/10, but didn't have a chance to try it until now, when it is too late - the LCBO is sold out. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL and great buy. Tasted May/10.

If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy