Chile Impresses Again
I have been a huge fan of Chilean wine since my very first sip, and here’s how I got there.
Years ago a girl I was trying to impress said to me, “I like Chilean Merlot” and, of course, I lied and said, “Me too” (what we men will do …). We ordered a bottle and the rest is history.
Ever since that little red lie so many years ago, I have found myself continuing to be impressed by the long thin country of South America by almost every grape they bring to the table.
At a recent Chilean tasting these were a few of my favs …
Santa Carolina 2012 Reserva Chardonnay ($11.95)
Great fruit with hints of vanilla and I love the apple and pear in this wine.
Via 2011 Chilcas Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($17.95)
Light cherry and strawberry with beet root notes, nice acidity and good spice; quite delicate – who’da thought Pinot from Chile could be so good?
Volcanes de Chile 2010 Parincota ($30.00)
A Syrah / Carignan blend aged 15 months in 30% new oak – nice intensity of blackberry, blueberry, smoke and cinnamon; you’ll also find nice spiciness on the intense finish.
Concha y Toro 2011 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95)
A perennial favourite , this wine is so juicy and so delicious: red fruit, chocolate, vanilla, blackberry with hints of licorice.
Siegel 2012 Gran Crucero Limited Edition ($39.95)
A more typical blend with atypical results: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah that’s juicy and chocolaty with white pepper notes and a long finish.