Alain Grignon Carignan Vieilles Vignes IGP Pays d’Hérault 2011, Languedoc, France (£7.49 Majestic)
Starts off well with a fresh spicy edge, fruit is OK but veering towards the jammy dodger/baked spectrum, and there’s also a muddy vanilla softness. Can we have more spikes please Mr G? B-

Miguel Torres Cordillera Carignan 2008, Maule, Chile (£12.49 Amps Fine Wines, Grayshott Wines, www.vintagemarque.com)
Shows the tell-tale reduced blackcurrant pastille character of Chile, and while there’s some decent violet-scented earthy notes, it’s just a little too leathery and raisinny for real class. B

Casa Silva Reserva Carmenère 2010, Colchagua, Chile (£8.45- £9.45 Avery’s, Naked Grape, Arkells, Caviste, Barrels & Bottles, RWP Wines, D. Byrne & Co, Field & Fawcett, George Hill, Lockett Bros, Great Northern Wines, Michael Jobling Wines, Palmers Brewery, Arthur Rackham, Peckhams & Rye, The Cheese & Wine Co, Satchells, The Southwell Vintner, Sandhams, Charles Steevenson Wines)
The initial rush of chocolate wafer biscuit oak calms down and then the more interesting blackberry, hoisin and green coffee bean Carmenère flesh comes through. Rich and earthy but remains refreshing. S-

Viñalba Patagonia Malbec Syrah 2010, Rio Negro, Argentina (£7.48 down to £5.48 Asda)
Reasonable dark berry flavours, with an exotic oily richness and even a touch of honey, but there’s just a little too much of a jammy character coming through, and the finish has the shrivelled blackcurrant edge that speaks of overripeness. B