Blackberry, blueberry, sage and five spice on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins. Balanced and creamy with a fresh, juicy character palate. Silky texture with great structure. Savory finish with length. Peppery and spicy aftertaste. A blend of 92% carmenere and 8% petit verdot. Try in 2023.

The 2018 Carménère Purple Angel by Montes is a blend of Carménère with 8% Petit Verdot from Colchagua, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, four-fifths of them new. Rich purple in the glass with a garnet shimmer. The mentholated, thyme-infused nose delivers plum chutney and clear layers of white pepper and smoky wood. A delicate, juicy wine with good volume in the mouth; the lush feel and muscular but loose tannins run on to a finish of power and flavor. -- Joaquín Hidalgo

Unctuously rich and juicy, with concentrated dark cherry and blackberry flavors that are loaded with cooking spice accents. Features ripe tannins and savory hints on the long, creamy finish. Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2026. 18,000 cases made, 5,350 cases imported. — KM