Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2007

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere.  If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine.  My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare.
The first was disappointing. Not that the wine was god awful bad, but it was not was I expected from what I was reading about Carmenere. It lacked the dark fruit and the balance.
Tonight I opened a second choice, The Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha 2007.  This is what I expected. 
Concha y Toro,  the largest producer of wines from Latin America and one of the global leaders, is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.  Concha y Toro produces several different wine styles including a late harvest Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes the Maule Valley. They also produce a barrel fermented Chardonnay and a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon named after the winery's founder, Don Melchor. The Carmemere comes from the historic Peumo vineyards situated above to north bank of the Rapel Valley's Cachapoal River.
The aromas of dark plums, red cherry and blueberry with a hint of tobacco and coffee is what I was reading about. Add a little spice with some vanilla on the palate and a  long smooth finish to make one excellent wine.
This Carmenere will pair equally well with steak, burgers or a pasta covered with a rich tomato sauce. It is also an excellent wine to just sip and enjoy while relaxing.  I cut up some extra sharp cheddar and enjoyed every bite and every sip.  My purchase price was $20 and well worth it.
My next Carmenere is also from Concha y Toro.  Just maybe I found what I was looking for.  Time and a few more Carmenere wines will tell!!!

Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)
Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005 (Italy)
Lamoreaux Landing, dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Agent for Change (Martellotto Wines) Zinfandel 2006 (California)
Fulkerson Winery Dornfelder 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007 (NY)
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 (California) *organic
Lakewood Vineyards Riesling 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2007 (NY)
Cline Cellars Cashmere 2008 (California)
Bogle Winery Petite Sirah 2007 (California)
Arboleda Carmenere 2006 (Chile)