Ruby-red. Spicy red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by mint, licorice and black cardamom. A fresh, focused midweight, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and good tangy snap. Very lively; the finish is focused, brisk and nicely persistent.

Wine for the taking -- Don't arrive to a Christmas party empty-handed, bring a fabulous wine such as Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon Root:1 is a "crowd-pleaser for both novice and seasoned red wine enthusiasts" and a very good value for the price.

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High value Chilean red. It's got loads of primal leafy cabernet aromatics, as well as bits of black cherry, tar, licorice and cigar. The mouth is medium weight with palate-pleasing black cherry fruit, good acids and light fine grain tannins.

A plush, approachable wine with juicy black cherry, dark chocolate and coffee flavors.

Ruby-red. Sexy, oak-spiced raspberry and blackberry aromas are accented by mocha and minerals, with a sneaky rose note emerging with air. Lush dark berry flavors are juicy and impressively bright, with tangy minerality adding energy. A suave wine for the price with impressive finishing thrust and sweetness.

Rich and elegant on the full-bodied palate with good complexity and balance; persitent black fruit finish. Pair with "New York Strip Steak."

I triple-checked the price because I couldn't believe this much depth of flavor could be found in a $12 wine. And indeed, right after I tasted it I followed with a $35 Cabernet from the Napa Valley and the cheaper wine was far superior. Root:1 is polished, complex, concentrated and balanced and the flavors are serious and savory.

If you drink it eyes-closed, Root 1 tastes like a $50 bottle of wine from Napa Valley. But the cabernet sauvignon modestly hails from Chile. At $11.99 a bottle, we figure that's four-times the bang for your buck. At fine wine shops and liquor stores.

Smooth, abundant and avory Chile Cab with a seamless and wandering finish.

Root: 1 is the newest Chilean offering to demonstrate the country's remarkable advances in winemaking expertise.

Great Cabernet Values: This dark, voluptuous Cabernet takes its name from the origin of the grapes it was made from: ungrafted vines in Chile's Maipo Valley descended from 19th century Bourdeaux cuttings.

"haunting notes of cedar, saddle leather, anise and chocolate. The wine is rich, fleshy and almost tarry with cassis, plum, anise and notes of prune....one of the best wines from a region known for its bargains."

Bright ruby. Fresh red berries and cherry on the nose, with a smoky licorice note gaining strength with air. A gently sweet midweight that offers fresh raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a kick of zesty acidity. Good tangy persistence.

Wine & Spirits – Root: 1 Chardonnay 2008 and Carmenére 2007 are two of three wines the magazine suggests readers should try.  The Chardonnay is described as having, “melon, honey and hazelnut” and the Carmenére as having a “smooth texture, soft tannins, rich flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, vanilla and spice” that will surprise you in every way.   

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Wine & Spirits – Root: 1 Chardonnay 2008 and Carmenére 2007 are two of three wines the magazine suggests readers should try.  The Chardonnay is described as having, “melon, honey and hazelnut” and the Carmenére as having a “smooth texture, soft tannins, rich flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, vanilla and spice” that will surprise you in every way.   

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“Sip This: White of the Week” – Michael Petersen selects Root: 1 2008 Sauvignon Blanc as the white wine of the week and writes the following review:  “Aromas of pear, green melon and lime, with flavors of citrus.  This is nicely balanced by a crisp acidity and mineral notes, leading to a strong finish.”

Tangy gooseberry notes and a hint of the green pepper that often appears in Sauvignon Blanc define this wine by Casablanca Valley-based Vina Ventisquero.

Medium full bodied, aromatic, dry, and long on palate, with aromas/flavors reminiscent of grapefruit, lemon grass, mint and green apple

Tropical fruit, gooseberry and green apple make for a nice nose, while the palate is solid and crisp as it emphasizes apple, citrus and green melon flavors. A touch of pepper on the finish seals the deal on this light and friendly wine.