Oops, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc – Carmenere 2006

($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): I dislike wines with cutesy names and am reluctant to recommend them.  But in this case, the quality of the contents trumps the name.  A blend of mostly (84%) Cabernet Franc and the remainder Carmenere, this shows an appealingly leathery, almost smoky character, as opposed to solely pure sweet fruit flavors.  Nicely balanced with supple tannins, it’s a wine to drink now. 86 Michael Apstein May 27, 2008