Veramonte Primus 2002 (Chilean Red Blend)

Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Carriagne????

I slurped a quick glass of this earlier this week, and it surprised me. Very smoky, austere, and almost "funky." Definitely a touch of earth and leather. Not a very prominent nose, though.

Not at all what I expected (a fruit bomb). Has anyone else tried this wine? Are the newer vintages any good? I would probably buy this again, but I need to drink through what I've got. (Although I did splurge on a Bordeaux last night!)

We popped an '03 last night and loved it. The third grape is Carmenere. It amazed us that a blend with Merlot upfront could be so inky black to the eye, as well as much of what you describe in the mouth. We did get whiffs black fruits on the nose, but not much.

Bucko posted a report on another forum this morning on the '04. He described it as the best wine bargain of the year.

2004 Primus, Casablanca Valley, Chile, $17, 30,000 cases. Here's a dandy Merlot-predominant blend at a killer price. Plums, blueberries, tobacco and dried herbs highlight the nose. It is full in the mouth with nice structure and loads of juicy fruit; 88/91.

This is case-buy material.

Thanks, Randy and Carl. I think my local "supermarket with a great wine department" place, Nugget Market, still carries this. Again, it was not at all what I expected!