Maroon six. Copious olfactory dose of smoke and incense, like a Catholic mass. It's been said if God made Cabernet then the devil made Pinot Noir. Yet here's evidence that perhaps the devil made Carmenere. The unheralded Carmenere varietal is not uncommonly used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, and when it hit the valleys of Chile the grape was thought to be Merlot. Indeed, Carmenere in its finished form is very Merlot-like, though spicier with an ominous smokey edge that works to justify the dark fruit. From the massive Chilean producer, Concha y Toro, this is a smaller wine with tons of character and an unassuming price tag to match. My only beef would be that it's a little Olsen twins on the palate, but very drinkable and probably perfect with pizza, burritos or roast chicken. New house red indeed.
Price: $8.99 (Gary's Wine)
Closure: Real cork.
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