Carmenere is the poor cousin, the lost grape of Bordeaux. It lost favor in the late 1800s and is rarely grown in France now. However, in Chile it prospers. It was first thought to be Merlot, but it is now bottled under its own name. Fullbodied, full-flavored, it combines some of the best characteristics of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This one is dominated by fresh ripe black fruits with notes of chocolate and vanilla. Mediumbodied with tremendously silky tannins, it is a wonderful addition to any red meat meal.