Dense and thick anise, potent leather, black liquorice, and ample kirsch, blackberry, dried black plum in this dry-farmed, old-vine Carignan from Maule. There’s a fragrant, dusky potpourri spicing this potent, ripe, dense, thick palate, with concentrated salty wash on the hot finish. Requires equally dense red meats to match the intensity. Decant.
Clear deep garnet. Oaky nose with cherry jam and coffee scents. On the palate, classically fruity Chilean Cabernet with blackberry and blackcurrant flavours, but nicely balanced. Decent acidity made it enjoyable with a grilled Brie cheese sandwich. Will last another year or so.
Opaquely deep garnet. Fairly intense, mature nose of blackcurrant, raspberry, liquorice, cinnamon and a hint of barnyard. Light-bodied with ripe blackberry fruit and strawberry jam flavours. Very fruity with smooth tannins and noticeable acidity leading to a long finish. Not made for long aging; drink now.
Highly aromatic green herbal, asparagus and sugar snap pea scents give way to gooseberry fruit on the palate, with characteristic lively acidity and mineral on the long, fruity finish.
Errazuriz continues to lead the way in sustainable, progressive Chilean winemaking. This fresh, saline-laced Chardonnay is the perfect example. With vineyards 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean at La Escultura Estate, this Casablanca Valley wine embraces the cool stream of air from the chilly Humboldt Current that cycles off-shore. The whole-cluster fruit was fermented in stainless before partial MLF and 10 months’ aging in French oak (17% new). White peach leads the tropical fruit on the medium body and creamy palate, finely spiced on the finish. A lovely, serious, fresh, approachable New World Chardy at an incredible price.
Clear, silvery yellow. Rich and complex nose including gooseberry, guava, stone fruit, pineapple and apple aromas. Medium-bodied, riper and denser than most NZ Sauvignon Blancs but with balancing acidity. Ready to drink when it reaches your house. A reliable house wine, and great value. Delicious with broiled fresh figs topped with goat cheese.
Potent and driving VA opens this dense Cabernet Sauvignon from Alto Maipo. Roasted onions, roasted meats, rubber, shellac with soft tannins lined with grippy and gritty sides to a warming finish. There is a bright lift of acidity, which was welcome. Could I tell this was Cab Sauv right away? Not really. Could I tell it was old-school Chile? Sí. Best with your grilled meats barbecue.