Like lots of other Carmeneres I've had, this wine really needs time to breathe before it starts to show its true colors. Once it airs out a bit, it's a beauty.
Eye: Completely saturated blood plasma color.
Nose: Before airing, it had a very pungent bakers' chocolate nose. After being opened a couple of hours, rich ripe cassis and plum scents wafted out, along with mocha-coffee notes and a smoky/sweet gravelly component.Mouth: Rich, broadly-flavored, and soft, this wine has loads of ripe blackberry, gravel, and tobacco flavors. Long, lingering finish. Very nice.
Score: 90.
Cellar or drink? This is drinking really well now, but has the stuffing to hold another 2-3 years.
Price/store: Lost the receipt, but I think this was about $15 at Whole Foods on Bellaire.