Peñalolén Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon offers violets, spice box, and blackcurrant in its expressive nose. Supple, smooth-textured, and easy-going, this nicely balanced wine will provide pleasure over the next five years.

Bright red. Pungent aromas of red currant, cherry compote, licorice and smoky herbs. Sappy, nicely focused red fruit flavors become spicier with air and are supported by tangy acidity. Finishes with good nervy persistence and a faintly bitter quality. Give this some air or a year or two of bottle age.

Stylish, with mint and sage notes leading the way for a supple palate of red cherry, black cherry and currant laced with hints of cedar and mineral. Drink now through 2010.

Dark red. Spicy red berries and herbs on the nose. Fresh redcurrant and cherry flavors are light in body and refreshingly tangy, with no obvious tannins. A bitter chocolate note adds edge to the tightly focused finish. I’d give this a bit more bottle aging, or decant it.

Richly textured, with layers of herbal tea, licorice, eucalyptus and spicebox intermingling with deep black fruit flavors. Incredible complexity for the price! The 15 months spent in French oak add toasty mocha and subtle spice elements, while the small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended with the 85% Cabernet Sauvignon give it just the right amount of lift and roundness. Very food-friendly — try pairing with herb-crusted lamb, hearty vegetarian dishes (especially with zucchini) or beef with goat cheese.