2006 Marques de Casa Concha Merlot (Peumo)

Opened 1.25.10 and enjoyed with some braised short-rib, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, this usually $20-something bottle of Merlot was available at Trader Joe's for about $11. What a screaming deal - and yes, this is the 'up line' of the usually solid Concha y Toro producer from Chile. Like most Chilean red wines, it has that tell-tale mint-eucalypt note on the nose, not exactly herbal, followed here by a nice, smooth dark cherry core to it. There are some really enticing fig and spice notes, the latter from the oak, and finishes with a creamy note but gutsy tannins. This should open up over the next couple of nights. Right now, it's a great deal and a lovely wine. 89/100
Bottom line: See a sale on this? Get it.