title: Carmen 1999  (Maipo Valley)
description: A chalky, dusty mouthfeel nicely balances this Petite Syrah's bright, full blackberry and blueberry fruit. Wheat-flour and black-pepper notes add interest to the bouquet; the wine finishes with herb and an acorny nuttiness. A good first Chilean wine for those more comfortable with the Californian style. It's got tannins to lose, but it's very good.