In our “desperately seeking $10 wine values” category: I recently latched on to a Sierra Cruz Carménère 2007 from Chile’s Maule Valley.

The rich, red color prefigures its dark earthy, leather flavors.

And some pepper thrown in.

But don’t be afraid!

It’s dry yet not at all biting. A real nice balance.

Imagine: For ten bucks, a wine known as the “lost grape of Bordeaux” — the history of this grape alone makes it a worthwhile buy.

Once a kind of second-cousin to Chile’s Merlot production, Carménère is becoming more appreciated, as this backgrounder points out.

I certainly am appreciating it (as I take another sip).

For some other $10 values, I turned to Wine News, which just happens to be serving up its latest reviews of 100 blind-tasted wines.

Right beneath its “Tasters Choice” selections, ranging from $65 to $100, are the all-important “Best Value” listings. And among them are two $10 picks (and as the wine gods would have it, they’re both Chilean):

• Veramonte, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Colchagua Valley
• Veramonte, 2006 Chardonnay Reserva, Casablanca Valley

Now that I’m thinking of it, let me see if I can Google an appropriate trip to Chile …

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