Missing since the nineteenth century, the “lost grape of Bordeaux” was recently found hiding in Chile. For a century and a half, Carmenère had grown side by side with Merlot. Finally, in the early l990s, scientifc analysis revealed its long-lost identity. The rediscovery of Carmenère has thrilled Chilean winemakers, including the youthful and technologically savvy team at La Playa Vineyards, who now regard the grape as Chile’s own (like Zinfandel in California) and are eager to have the world share in their excitement.