Sierra Cruz Carmenere, 2009, $6.95, Chile: As a member of the cabernet sauvignon family, carmenere (pronounced car-men-yare) originated in Bordeaux as one of the grapes permitted for use in the red blends of that storied region. Chilean winemakers have embraced it and several wineries in that country produce it as a single varietal. The ’09 Sierra Cruz is a very pleasant, soft, medium- bodied wine that has fresh cabernet-like aromas and flavors of spice, dark fruit and black pepper. It is a great value and also would be a nice match with marinated and grilled skirt or flank steak. This wine was definitely very interesting. I did taste a very cabernet-esque taste to it, and I liked it for the most part. It was earthy on the nose and palate, with a little cherry coming through on the nose as well. It tasted ok with a little spice - maybe the black pepper coming through. I did not try this wine with food, but I would like to because I think it would be very interesting!