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Prior to the March 26, 2024 Issue

Printable Version

CHILE

Red:

Seña, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) 2019 ($150, Shaw-Ross International Importers):  Twenty-five vintages ago, an exuberant Robert Mondavi and a quite young Eduardo Chadwick launched Seña, intending it to be an iconic Chilean wine.  Without doubt, it has fulfilled that prophecy.  “It was a great 10 years with Bob and Tim,” Chadwick said in a recent Zoom interview, but, after the Mondavi winery was sold to Constellation, Chadwick and his Errázuriz wine business gained full ownership.  This 25th edition represents the continued evolving of their dream – less Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) than the original with 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot.  Merlot, an early component, has been dropped out.  “Carmenere gives spiciness and balsamic, and Malbec provides chocolate and floral notes,” Chadwick says.  The 2019 is rich without being dense, and it walks a dazzling tightrope with velvety purple fruits – chiefly blackberries and blueberries – balanced by savory, earthy notes, chalky minerality and almost tart acidity with a final, lightly creamy persistence on the palate.      
96 Roger Morris May 3, 2022

Erazzuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) "Kai" 2008 ($158):   Errazuriz thinks outside of the box.  While much of the Chilean industry was focusing on basic $10 Cabernet and Merlot, Errazuriz, led by Eduardo Chadwick, was heading in a different direction.  Make no mistake, Errazuriz does make excellent basic Cabernet and Merlot.  But in addition, they essentially introduced Syrah to Chile.  And arguably, with Kai, they are making Chile’s best Carménère.  This gorgeous wine, a blend of mostly (88%) Carménère with the remainder Syrah and Petit Verdot, has incredible complexity.  The exotic herbal not-just-fruit element of Carménère is apparent.  The Syrah and Petit Verdot had a touch of extra oomph without going over the top.  The polished texture and lush tannins are the product of the Errazuriz winemaking team.  If you want to see the heights of Chilean Carménère, here it is.
95 Michael Apstein May 1, 2012

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Max Reserva" 2003 ($25, Vintus): I understand that some North American consumers aren't yet comfortable turning toward South America as a source for their wine on special occasions when they are prepared to pony up for a big ticket bottle. However, if you reflect on the fact (this is not a matter of opinion) that you'd likely need to pay $40 for a bottle providing this level of concentration and complexity from Napa or Bordeaux, your comfort level with Chile may heighten in a hurry. With very expressive notes of cassis, blackberry, cedar, woodsmoke, vanilla, spices, and dried herbs, this is an aromatic tour de force that delivers the goods on the palate as well. Rich and deeply flavorful, it finishes long and pure, with sufficient power to develop for several more years but sufficient softness to enjoy now with food. 92 Michael Franz Feb 14, 2006

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Max Reserva" 2003 ($24, Vintus): Errazuriz's Cabernet-based are packed with flavor and complexity and character, and that goes for everything from their $10 entry-level offering up to the flagship Don Maximiano bottling. This upper-end wine shows marvelous Cabernet characteristics of cassis and blackberry, as well as a distinctively Chilean notes in the form of a cedar aroma and ultra fine, dusty tannins. Fresh and mature at once, this is a beautiful thing. 92 Michael Franz Mar 14, 2006

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère Don Maximano Estate 2007 ($26, Vintus): This is as good as Chilean Carmenère gets.  It exhibits hints of the herbaceousness that characterize the variety, but holds that element in check with vibrant ripe (but not over-ripe or raisined) fruit.  Moreover, the finish lingers extremely persistently, and changes subtly as it does--a sure sign of a wine of very high quality.  The proverbial jury is still out on the question of whether Carmenère has a real future as a stand-alone varietal wine.  Many renditions do taste too green, while others over compensate and seem jammy.  This wine, however, strikes a near-perfect stylistic balance. 92 Paul Lukacs Jun 2, 2009

Viña Seña, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) “Rocas de Seña” 2020 ($50):  Rocas de Seña is a new “second wine” in this winery's portfolio, designed to be different than the flagship offering.  Featuring 38% Malbec, 25% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Grenache and 8% Petite Verdot, it takes the unusual tack of mixing Bordeaux and Rhône varieties in effort to show another possibility for Aconcagua Valley.  It is a success, showing tart mixed berry fruit joined by notes of coffee, meat, chocolate and a dash of cumin.  Give it a good decanting and serve with a well seasoned rib eye steak.     
92 Rich Cook Dec 27, 2022

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Carménère “Max Reserva” Estate Single Vineyard 2010 ($21, Vintus):  Carménère is Chile’s signature grape.  Originally grown in Bordeaux, it was mostly abandoned there because it was such a late ripening variety.  Initially in Chile it was confused with Merlot and harvested early with Merlot, which imparted an unpleasant greenness to the wine.  Errazuriz, one of Chile’s best producers, has clearly distinguished Carménère from Merlot by planting in the right spots and waiting for it to ripen.  The result is a stunning wine for consumers.  Yes, there’s lush fruitiness and concentration.  But it’s the leafy, earthy notes that provide complexity and real interest.  The polish that is the hallmark of Errazuriz’s wines is apparent.  It’s easy to recommend for current consumption with grilled flank steak. 91 Michael Apstein Apr 24, 2012

Arboleda, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Merlot 2005 ($16, Frederick Wildman): This is an excellent wine, and a great value.  It shows good concentration and medium body, and the fruit component is prominent and deeply flavored but not grapey or obvious.  With accents of cedar and dried herbs, it really rings true to Merlot in a Chilean style, and offers much more sophistication and complexity than most reds at this price. 90 Michael Franz Jul 22, 2008

Arboleda, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Merlot 2005 ($16, Wildman): An excellent wine and a great value, this Merlot shows varietal character as well as a distinctive signature from its place of origin.  With medium body, solid concentration and depth of flavor, yet soft structure, it rings true to Merlot's profile with tasty fruit notes of black plums and dark berries.  It also chimes in with accents of cedar and dried herbs that announce the wine as Chilean in origin, and finishes with fine-grained tannins that will help it stand up to substantial food without turning harsh or astringent. 90 Michael Franz Jul 8, 2008

Arboleda, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Merlot 2005 ($20, Frederick Wildman): This is a Merlot with a lot going for it, from the initial blast of fruit and spice on the bouquet, to the cornucopia of plums, cherries, and blackberries that lingers long on the palate.  Like many of the best Chilean wines, this one manages to combine power and elegance in a very appealing way. 90 Marguerite Thomas Nov 25, 2008

Erazzuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 ($12): An earthy, mushroom and leather-tinged bouquet introduces this distinctive and delicious wine. On the palate, the flavors are classic Cabernet -- dark berries and plums, with undertones of cedar and cigar box. Traditionally styled, this wine shines especially brightly with food. I had it with a grilled steak. In that setting, it out-performed a number of wines that cost three, four, even five times as much. 90 Paul Lukacs Feb 7, 2006

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Max Reserva" 2003 ($19, Vintus LLC): A powerful but at the same time refined Cabernet, marked by deep fruit and earth flavors, excellent balance, and a satisfyingly long finish.  Over the past decade or so, Chile has become an excellent source of top-notch Cabernet at all price points.  This wine is a fine example, as it outperforms many northern hemisphere Cabs that cost twice as much. 90 Paul Lukacs Mar 6, 2007

Arboleda, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Shiraz 2006 ($19, Wildman): A distinctly Chilean rendition of Shiraz, offering fleshy plum-like fruit enhanced by dry, dusty, leather-tinged undertones.  If you want a Shiraz that tastes sweet and soft, pass it by.  But if you want one with genuine complexity and a distinctive difference, give it a try. 89 Paul Lukacs Nov 11, 2008

Arboleda, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Shiraz 2006 ($19, Frederick Wildman): Eduardo Chadwick, one of Chile's top winemakers and owner of Arboleda, has always been a vigorous proponent of Shiraz, especially when grown in the Aconcagua Valley, a locale about 100 miles north of Santiago.  This wine justifies his enthusiasm.  Robust and kind of in-your-face, it delivers not only ripe fruit flavors but also notes of bacon fat and vanilla-scented oak.  Spicy and gamey nuances add to its exuberance, but it is still not an over-the-top wine.  It's just what you need for hearty winter fare. 89 Michael Apstein Feb 10, 2009

Concha Y Toro, Alto Maipo (Chile) Puente Alto Vineyard “Don Melchor” 2011 ($125): For decades, Don Melchor has traditionally been Chile’s emblematic wine.  Despite competition from other top Chilean producers with their top Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, Don Melchor remains a Chilean icon.  The 2011 shows why:  Enticing, hard to define aromas capture your attention immediately.  Then it delivers fruit flavors, herbal notes all supported by appropriate structure.  In short, it has impeccable balance.  Polished and long, with, what to me is a hallmark of serious wine, a touch of bitterness in the finish.  It’s really a perfect combination of fruitiness of California and structure of Bordeaux.  If you’re in a position to splurge this holiday season, here’s a good choice for drinking now or for cellaring since Don Melchor develops even more complexity with bottle age.
95 Michael Apstein Nov 17, 2015

Santa Rita, Alto-Jahuel (Maipo Valley, Chile) Petite Sirah "Bougainville" 2010 ($80, Palm Bay International): It's not everyday that I get to taste a Petite Sirah from Chile, or an eighty dollar of Petite Sirah from anywhere, for that matter.  The price may seem a bit crazy, but this is an amazing bottle of wine.  Blackberry, black cherry, kirsch, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, mild damp earth and just a touch of oak char come through aroma and flavor profiles, with a long finish that's quite dry but bright in fruit and spice.  Solidly structured and very approachable now, but will reward further aging.  If you've got the scratch to put this in a blind tasting, you'll turn more than a few heads.  Who knew?
93 Rich Cook Jan 6, 2015

Santa Rita, Alto-Jahuel (Maipo Valley, Chile) Petite Sirah "Bougainville" 2010 ($80, Palm Bay International): Petite Sirah wines from California are uncommon these days, but a Petite Sirah from Chile is downright rare.  This wine comes from a five-acre vineyard where Petite Sirah grapes were field-grafted fifteen years ago, and where the grapes grow on a “pergola” overhead trellis system.  Blended from 85 percent Petite Sirah and 15 percent Syrah, this wine is full-bodied and remarkably smooth and supple.  The grape’s characteristic tannin is in fact present; it shows itself as a gripping contrast to the wine’s ripe, rich flavorful fruit, and it is not intrusive.  Aromas and flavors included blackberry, smoke, spices, and dark chocolate -- lots of flavor, intense but also nuanced.  In the long finish, these flavors hold strong.  More than a curiosity, this is a very good wine.
91 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Nov 11, 2014

Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle, Apalta (Chile) “Clos Apalta” 2019 ($160, Winebow):  Each time I reread the saga of the Bournet-Lapostolle family, first in France and then in Chile, it reminds me of the magic realism of a Márquez or Allende novel, and the domaine’s wines at their best have a scent and flavor of magic realism as well.  They are complex and at once beckoning and elusive.  Even for a substantial red, Clos Apalta has a springtime lilt in its berry/barrel aromas, smooth yet rounded cherry and blackberry fruit, unabashed barrel notes and pecan and walnut tannins.  The structure plays with the palate, first showing opulent fruit clouds before quickly tapering to a lean and long finish and a hint of bitters.  A glass or two with a slice of red-tinted beef Wellington, and, well…   A blend of Carmenère (70%), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, it went through primary and secondary fermentation on various French oaks and was aged for 24 months.  That it is 15% alcohol comes as a bit of a surprise.          
97 Roger Morris Feb 7, 2023

Clos Apalta, Apalta (Colchagua Valley, Chile) 2019 ($146, Winebow):  Clos Apalta has become one of Chile’s most acclaimed red wines, and deservedly so.  The 2019 certainly merits that accolade.  Despite a 15 percent stated alcohol, the 2019 Clos Apalta is balanced and suave.  Intense and rich, yes, but not flamboyant or over-the-top.  Instead, it is a seamless marriage of lush dark black cherry-like fruitiness intermingled with dark minerals.  Refined tannins lend support without intruding.  Savory, herbal nuances, add intrigue and complexity.   As with all great wines, a delectable hint of bitterness accents its long finish, reminding us that wine is more than just ripe fruit.  Uplifting acidity makes this energetic wine a delight to drink now, but its balance suggests a graceful evolution.      
95 Michael Apstein Jul 11, 2023

Casa Lapostolle, Apalta (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Cuvée Alexandre” 2019 ($25, Mundivino Winebow Imports):  Sometime in the mid-to-late 2000s, I attended a presentation of the wines from Casa Lapostolle, a winery located in the tiny, half-moon shaped Apalta Valley of Chile’s larger Colchagua Valley, to the south of Santiago.  Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, owner with her husband Cyril de Bournet, presented the wines and spoke of some of the issues they encountered in creating the winery in 1994.  For example, the workers in the vineyards were appalled and resistant when asked to thin grape bunches from the vines.  The aim was, and still is, to ensure ripeness of the remaining bunches and concentrate the flavors.  Today the vineyards are biodynamically farmed and Demeter Certified.  Newly harvested grapes are removed from their stems by hand, rather than using a machine.  The emphasis is on growing the best grapes and processing them with care.  The quality and intensity of this wine is the result of care and attention given from the vineyard to the bottle.  It displays a deep ruby color.  Aromas of blackberries, black cherry, mingle with cassis and mocha.  It is smooth and lush in the mouth with black fruit, cassis and a bit of mocha lifted by crisp acidity and completed with silky smooth tannins.  Serve it with grilled meats, sausage-stuffed portobello mushrooms, an aged gouda.        
94 Rebecca Murphy Jun 1, 2021

Santa Rita, Apalta (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Carmenère “Pehuén” 2005 ($70, Palm Bay International):  If you have yet to taste an exemplary Carmenère to learn what this grape can be at its best, you owe it to yourself to do so.  Since Chile’s Carmenère vines were only identified for what they are as recently as 1994, and since it took more than a few years after that to learn how to harvest and vinify the fruit in a manner truly appropriate to the variety, it is only recently that finished wines at the high end were capable of actualizing the variety’s potential.  Several wines could fulfill this function, including “Carmin de Puemo” from Concha y Toro, “Purple Angel” from Montes, or “Alka” from Araucano.  However, there’s no question that Santa Rita’s “Pehuén” rendition is somewhere very close to the top of the pyramid.  It is still nearly black in color almost six years after the fruit was picked, and shows marvelous aromatic and flavor complexity with notes of eucalyptus, woodsmoke, anise, Asian spices and crushed blackberries.  Its density and power are outsized, but its proportions are symmetrical, with the result that it seems balanced and natural--but in a really big way.  There’s plenty of wood and tannin, but more than enough fruit to counterbalance them, and this should continue to improve for another decade.  A damned impressive wine. 94 Michael Franz Apr 12, 2011

Lapostolle, Apalta (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Carmenere “Cuvée Alexandre” 2020 ($25, Winebow):  Lapostolle winery has garnered critical acclaim for its Bordeaux blends from the Colchagua Valley.  However, some of the winery’s most interesting wines include a terroir series of Syrah and Carmenère from around Chile, such as the Lapostolle 2020 Cuvée Alexandre Carmenère.  It exudes intense black cherry, blackcurrant, and black pepper combined with delicate notes of sage and herbs.  There is an appealing jolt of freshness and relatively fine-grained tannins — all in all, a Carmenère with beautiful aromatics and lots of energy.        
93 Miranda Franco Jan 10, 2023

Montes, Apalta (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Carmenère "Wings" 2020 ($55, Kobrand):  Moreso than any other grape, Carmenère is the one that in the hands of Chilean winemakers best approximates a great Left Bank red Bordeaux, whether that is their intent or not.  And there is no other country that across the board makes better Carmenère varietal wines than Chile.  (Invite me to your next Carmenère tasting if you want to argue the point.)  Finally, I am not the first to muse whether this could be the grape that Chileans clasp to their wine-stained bosoms the way the over-the-mountain crowd in Argentina has with Malbec.  This delightful red is tight and tannic with concentrated blackberry and cassis flavors and some dried fruits in the finish with lots of savory notes.  A big and complex wine with many years ahead of it.     
93 Roger Morris Sep 26, 2023

Neyen, Apalta (Colchagua Valley, Chile) 'Espiritu de Apalta' 2012 ($60):  This is an exceptional Bordeaux-style red blend (50 percent Carmenere and 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon) from Neyen.  Note of blackberry and plum dominate, with a hint of wood spice and a lightly herbal note that common in both grapes when the conditions are cool.  On the nose the wine has a strong savory, gamey note.  On the palate the tannins are polished and elegant and the finish is long and impressive. 
93 Robert Whitley Dec 12, 2017

Lapostolle, Apalta DO (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Cuvée Alexandre” 2019 ($25, Winebow):  This wine speaks of place in a way that will make you rethink the region's Cabernet in this price range.  Improving viticultural techniques are taming the hard green edges often associated with the area, as evidenced here.  Chalky tannins and good grip keep the dry style working well, with blackberry, pepper and crushed rock aromas and flavors lingering long.  A nice find!     
90 Rich Cook Oct 19, 2021

Montes, Apalta Valley (Colchagua, Chile) Syrah "Folly" 2003 ($70, TGIC Importers): The man who produced "Folly" is the Chilean winemaking icon, Aurelio Montes, and he's nobody's fool. The brilliance of Aurelio Montes was underscored a number of years ago when the great Michel Rolland arrived in Chile to consult at Casa Lapostolle. The cocky Frenchman is nobody's fool, either, and he immediately hired Montes to teach him about Chilean viticulture. Montes' Folly, or folly, if you please, was to plant Syrah on very steep, inhospitable hillsides in the Apalta Valley. Never mind that no one had ever had much success with Syrah in Chile. The 2003 Folly is another achievment in a string of excellent vintages of Syrah from this vineyard. It is tightly wound and powerful, much in the style of an exceptional wine from the northern Rhone. This well-balanced Syrah has a beautiful core of sweet fruit that is momentarily masked by the firmness of the tannins. Give it a good two to three years before opening and you, too, will be nobody's fool! 96 Robert Whitley Jan 24, 2006

Montes, Apalta Valley (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Syrah "Folly" 2004 ($93, TGIC Imports): There isn't a better Syrah produced in South America and, indeed, this one would rival the greatest Syrahs from the northern Rhone. It's rich and powerful, yet with elegance and balance, supple tannins and layers of complex fruit aromas. There's just a hint of woodsmoke to complement the massive fruit. This vintage of Folly is a monumental achievement for winemaker and proprietor Aurelio Montes. 96 Robert Whitley Mar 27, 2007

Apaltagua, Apalta Valley (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Carmenere "Grial" 2009 ($75): This limited edition (7,200 bottles), high-end rendition of Carmenere shows very interesting, highly complex aromas as well as deep, authoritative flavors.  There’s plenty of oak in the mix, but not so much as to obscure the appealing dried herb and mint aromas or the dark, blackberry-tinged fruit.  Full-bodied but neither overly ripe nor over-extracted, this is impressive without turning bombastic, and offers a great example of just how good this emerging grape variety can be.
93 Michael Franz Jun 3, 2014

Montes, Apalta Valley (Colchagua, Chile) Syrah "Folly" 2003 ($70, TGIC Importers): Made entirely from Syrah grown on the upper slopes of Montes'Apalta Valley Vineyard, this is an unabashedly big and extracted wine with flavors that emerge over time in the glass. Oak notes are apparent, but not overwhelming, and the ripe supple tannins provide structure that keeps you coming back for more. The extraordinary length is an indication that this wine will develop beautifully over the next year. 93 Michael Apstein Jan 17, 2006

Llai Llai, Bio Bio Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2011 ($13, W. J. Deutsch & Sons, LTD): Another solid value wine from Chile.  This Pinot Noir comes from an area 300 miles south of Santiago and 30 miles east of the Pacific coast.  It’s delivering big aromas of black cherry, cardamom and sarsaparilla with mild accents of damp earth and oak spice, all of which come through on the palate in a dry, balanced style with a long finish that accentuates the earth and oak.  This is the kind of wine that you could throw in a blind tasting with wines that cost three or four times as much and surprise a lot of people. At 40,000 cases produced, it shouldn’t be too hard to find, either.
90 Rich Cook Sep 3, 2013

Terrunyo, Cachapoal Valley (Chile) Carménère Peumo Vineyard Block 27 2002 ($30, Banfi Vintners): This is an impressive Carménère released in Concha y Toro's Terrunyo line. New World ripeness and suppleness are apparent, but the inherently earthy character of Carménère still shows, which makes for a succulent, layered wine. 92 Michael Apstein Dec 6, 2005

Concha y Toro, Cachapoal Valley (Chile) Carmenere “Terrunyo” 2004 ($27, Banfi Vintners): Chilean winemakers are finally understanding how to handle the late-ripening Carmenère variety, and Concha y Toro, with its upscale Terrunyo line, is producing one of the best.  The 2004 Terrunyo Carmenère, made from 85% Carmenère, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, has deep, rich, ripe berry and chocolate aromas and flavors, rich texture, soft tannins, concentration, and excellent depth.  It's made in a leaner style, and is definitely not a blockbuster, which I like.  It will accompany beef, pork, poultry and meaty fish entrées. 91 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Santa Ema, Cachapoal Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Amplus" 2007 ($23, TGIC Importers):  This bold Cabernet is medium bodied, with appealing aromas of black fruit.  It has concentrated flavors of ripe blueberries, with a good bit of acidity. 90 Tina Caputo Oct 26, 2010

Terrunyo by Concha y Toro, Cachapoal Valley (Chile) Syrah 2007 ($38, Excelsior Wine & Spirits):  Blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, then aged in new and used French oak barrels for 17 months, this monster Syrah has a deep inky black-ruby color, slightly closed forward oak and blackberry aroma, big refined tannins, textured blackberry and anise flavors, 14.8% alcohol and some heat through the concentrated finish.  The Terrunyo Syrah comes in a deeply punted drop-shoulder bottle that unfortunately weighs in at over 57 ounces.
89 Gerald D. Boyd Sep 13, 2011

Chateau Los Boldos, Cachapoal Valley (Chile) Carmenère "Gran Reserva" 2021 ($18, Evaton):  Carmenère, originally from Bordeaux, has always done extremely well in Chile.  In the Cachapoal Valley, it is one of the most important varietals and is the most planted red grape in the valley.  Chateau Los Boldos’ Gran Reserva delivers balanced herbaceous notes with dark fruit and chocolate espresso.  The rich gritty tannin structure makes this wine an ideal pairing with steak or barbequed meats.  
88 Vince Simmon Oct 10, 2023

D. Bosler, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir “Birdsnest” 2019 ($14, T. Edward Wines):  It’s hard to believe that excellent and affordable wines from Chile’s Casablanca Valley have not always been available, but in fact wine grapes did not show up in Casablanca until 1982, when Pablo Morandé planted the region’s first grapes there.  It would be four more years before others followed his lead.  Today the Casablanca Valley boasts a planted area of over 4000 hectares of vines, and is considered one of Chile’s leading wine producing terroirs.  D. Bosler Pinot Noir is a good example of the excellent wines you might find here.  With hints of berry and floral aromas and flavors, plus an elegantly classic Pinot Noir texture, this is an altogether attractive — and attractively priced — red wine.           
93 Marguerite Thomas May 3, 2022

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir El Triángulo Estate “20 Barrels” 2011 ($25, Vineyard Brands): Cono Sur’s “20 Barrels” bottling represents their best lots -- a reserve bottling, essentially.  This Pinot Noir is bigger and more concentrated than their superb value regular bottling without going over to the dark side.  They’ve managed a seamless combination of fruit and savory notes enrobed in glossy tannins.  A subtle bitterness in the finish makes it all the more enjoyable.  I hate the heavy bottle, but love the contents.
92 Michael Apstein Oct 29, 2013

Ritual, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2019 ($19, Gonzalez Byass USA):  I am not the first writer to observe that wines with organic grapes – reds in particular – have a tendency to possess an admirable skeleton and striking fruit-tart flavors, but at the same time lack fleshiness, giving an almost emaciated presentation.  Whether this is indigenous to that type of viticulture, or whether organic winegrowers share a similar aesthetic, a common worldview-from-the-cellar, I have yet to discover.  Pinot Noir, with its genial nature, seems particularly to suffer whenever “organic grapes” appears of the label.  But not in the case of this wine.  It has juicy, ripe cherries and even blackberry flavors woven in with dry, savory notes.  It is very well balanced, refreshing yet rich, long on the palate, good to sip or have with food.  Finally, it is also a very enjoyable as a next-day wine, one of those you can leave uncorked and out of the fridge and still seems fresh for lunch the next day.      
92 Roger Morris Oct 11, 2022

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) "Primus" 2003 ($16, Franciscan Estates Selections): I love this wine, and think it one of the five or six best values in the world at this price, and regard it as perhaps the quintessential wine of Chile. That is saying a lot in my case, as I love Chilean wines, and love big-ticket heavyweights like Almaviva, Chadwick, Don Melchor, and Montes Alpha "M." However, this wine rings up at a small fraction of the price of its categorical peers, yet, stylistically, it shows all the best features of Chilean wine. It displays New World ripeness crosscut with Old World restraint and complexity, and it does all that with perfect balance and symmetry. Comprised of 43% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 21% Carmenere, it is an object lesson in the profile of these three grapes, as they are precisely reversed in prominence: Carmenere is the lead note, with soaring aromas and deep flavors of blackberry and anise, followed by Cabernet's casis, cocoa and herbal notes, and a little whiff of Merlot berries and herbs. An awesome wine, and an outright steal for $16. 92 Michael Franz Nov 8, 2005

Matetic EQ, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2014 ($40, Quintessential Wines):  The Casablanca Valley is east of Santiago toward the sea and thus cooler than Chile’s favored growing regions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere.  That makes it just about perfect for Pinot Noir, which thrives in slightly cooler conditions that preserve acidity and elegance.  The Matetic EQ shows aromas of cherry and wood spice, is slightly fleshy but with firm acid and the potential for improvement in the cellar. 
91 Robert Whitley Feb 12, 2019

Ritual, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2019 ($21, Gonzalez Byass USA):  Made with organically grown grapes, this Pinot Noir conveys an enticing combination of red fruits and savory qualities, all touched with a hint of toasty oak.  The suave texture of this fresh and juicy mid-weight Pinot Noir makes it ideal for current consumption, with, say, grilled salmon.       
91 Michael Apstein Jan 3, 2023

William Cole Vineyards, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "Bill" 2011 ($27, Global Vineyard Wine Importers): A nicely balanced wine with all the elements you might expect from southern hemisphere Sauvignon Blanc -- tropical fruit, some grassiness, some citrus -- yet all restrained, with a rounded mouthfeel. Fermented for four months in French oak, and while you can't taste the oak, the difference in mouthfeel is noticeable. Flavorfully refined: A society woman with striking features in an understated outfit.
91 W. Blake Gray May 7, 2013

Ritual, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2015 ($22):  This Ritual Pinot Noir delivers a bright, juicy burst of red fruit on the palate, with a pleasing note of wood spice and supple tannins.  Light and elegant on the palate, yet fully flavored with a long, impressive finish. 
90 Robert Whitley Dec 12, 2017

Ritual, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2019 ($21, Gonzalez Byass USA):  Surprising fresh having aged a couple of extra years, this wine can go well with traditional dishes such as salmon, but it also would make a nice, lighter wine to serve as an aperitif before the onslaught of food and heavier wines.  Organic, it has nice, clean flavors of lightly spiced fresh cherries which are given a little depth by its savory notes along with good finishing crispness.        
90 Roger Morris Feb 6, 2024

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Primus 2005 ($21, Icon): This wine has changed considerably since its inception, when the winery mistakenly thought it had Merlot planted in the cool Casablanca Valley. In reality the "Merlot" was Carmenere, which thrives in warmer climes, but delivers a thin, weedy wine when it doesn't get ripe enough. Over the past several years the plantings have been adjusted and now that really is Merlot that comprises 51 percent of this red Bodeaux-style blend. The '05 is well balanced, with an herbal note that in fact might make you think its origins are rooted in Bordeaux, and there are wonderful red-fruited aromas and spice and a freshness and complexity that make this one of the finest values in the world at this price. 90 Robert Whitley Jun 17, 2008

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) “Primus” 2005 ($18, Huneeus Vintners): Primus is the upper end Bordeaux-blend created by Agustin Huneeus, one of Chile's--and California's--most savvy and talented winemakers.  Although predominantly a blend of Merlot (51%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), it's the Carmenere (17%), a grape formerly important but now virtually abandoned in Bordeaux and making a renaissance in Chile, that lends an engaging exotic edge to this glossy wine.  Intense black cherry-like flavors dovetail with minerality and earthiness.  Ripe, smooth tannins lend support without being aggressive. Despite14.5% alcohol, it's not overdone. 90 Michael Apstein May 27, 2008

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) "Primus" 2006 ($20, Huneeus Vintners):  Deep, dark currents of raspberry, chocolate and plums flow through this splendid wine, with a wash of fine, grainy tannins riding on a long, commanding finish.  Intensity and power are beautifully balanced by finesse. 90 Marguerite Thomas Feb 16, 2010

Root: 1, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2010 ($14, Winebow):  This is a very likable, friendly, undemanding, ruby-hued wine.  It has a light-to-medium body, and fruit flavors that are pronounced but mercifully not overly sweet.  It’s not a wine you’ll talk about for hours on end. This Pinot is designed more to provide soothing pleasure akin to, say, soft background music. 89 Marguerite Thomas May 10, 2011

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir Reserva 2020 ($14, Gonzalez Byass USA):  Also made with organically grown grapes, the Veramonte Reserva Pinot Noir is darker and more structured than Alto de Casablanca’s Ritual bottling.  It also delivers more savory notes.  Taken together, this youthful Pinot Noir calls both for more robust fare and either a year or two in the cellar or an hour in the glass.
89 Michael Apstein Jan 3, 2023

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir "Reserva Especial" 2012 ($15, Vineyard Brands): Despite coming from the Casablanca Valley, a cool coastal area of Chile where you’d expect more delicacy in Pinot Noir, this one is a riper, more intensely styled wine with hints of bacon fat.  Tannins are similarly ripe and supple, which means it’s a good choice for current drinking.  It’s a stunning value, since it’s so difficult to find good Pinot Noir less than $20 a bottle.
88 Michael Apstein Aug 13, 2013

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir "Ritual" 2010 ($20, Huneeus Vintners): This collaborative effort by two giants, Chilean icon Agustin Hunees, and California star, Paul Hobbs, will appeal to those who like power in their Pinot Noir. Ripe black fruit notes a hint of seductive toasty oak come together in this rich full-blown wine. Smokey nuances add complexity. The tannins are smooth and supple, but the heat in the finish, reflective of the 14%-stated alcohol, detracts.
88 Michael Apstein Jan 8, 2013

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir Reserva 2020 ($11, Gonzalez Byass USA):  Sometimes I wonder whether producers get so wrapped up in their applied philosophy of winegrowing that they ignore whether they have made an enjoyable wine.  Veramonte was a good to very good brand under the Huneeus family, but it is now owned by Gonzalez Byass, which also imports it, and which is a company for which I have great regard.  The back and front labels are ablaze with declarations about being vegan and made with organic grapes and verified Ecocert-ed.  But all that background is moot when I twist off the cap and am, surprisingly, greeted by a strong whiff of sulfur.  Okay, sometimes that is understandable, but usually not encountered in a mass-produced wine.  True, it blows off after some swirling in the glass.  But then, and again tasting it later, on the palate the wine is anorexic in its leanness and has negligible fruit.  Would I recognize it as Pinot Noir, and one expressive of the Casablanca Valley?  Not unless there were holes cut in the blindfold.  Finally, the patient reader might ask, what do you expect from an $11 wine?  I expect a better effort.          
87 Roger Morris Aug 30, 2022

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir Reserva 2006 ($15, Huneeus Vintners): This straightforward Pinot Noir delivers bright primary fruit--cherry-like--flavors without earthy, leafy nuances frequently found in the varietal.  A nice balance of pure fruit flavors, lively acidity and soft tannins makes it perfect for current consumption. 86 Michael Apstein Jan 22, 2008

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir Reserva 2006 ($15, Huneeus Vintners): This is a very commendable effort with Pinot Noir at an attractive price point, and hopefully a harbinger of good things to come from this grape from Chile in the future.  Appropriately delicate and pretty (as opposed to chunky and imposing), it offers very nice fruit that straddles the flavor line dividing red and black cherries, and also provides some nice little nuances of smoke and spice.  There's a bit of fruity sweetness to the flavor, but none of the confected character that afflicts so many of California's renditions at this price point.  Well done! 86 Michael Franz Nov 13, 2007

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) "Primus" 2004 ($17, Franciscan Estate Selections): I have praised this blended bottling to the skies in past vintages, but the party is over. After years of offering outstanding complexity at an affordable price, this vintage is vitiated by an excess of raw wood notes. It is a blend of 47% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Carmenere, but that will only prove interesting to the statisticians among you, as few distinctive varietal notes survive the wicked lashing of pungent, resinous oak. The wood notes dominate the aromas and dry the finish, which is sad, because, with plenty of time and air, one can sense fine raw material beneath the pile of lumber. Chile can rock the world with complex reds at modest prices, but not if it sacrifices its beautiful fruit on the cooper's altar. 82 Michael Franz Sep 26, 2006

Terra Noble, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir Reserva 2010 ($14, Winebow):  Yet another very amiable, very affordable, very food-friendly Pinot from Chile.  The grapes are grown in the coldest section of Casablanca, an area characterized by the kind of wide temperature swings -- from warm days to cool nights -- that grapes like. Not a complex wine, its charm lies rather in being young, light and refreshing.  It’s a nice red wine for summer: Chill it down and enjoy it during the upcoming warm-weather months. Marguerite Thomas May 10, 2011

Terra Andina, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenére/ Carignan “Altos” 2007 ($19, Terra Andina USA): This blend of 60% Carmenère and 40% Carignan both smells and tastes compelling.  Aromatically, it offers remarkable complexity, and on the palate it displays impressive depth as well as length.  Beautifully balanced and harmonious, it is a powerful red wine with no trace of excessive heat or extract.  Echoes of wood and spice enhance more forward black and blueberry fruit flavors, and firm tannins suggest good aging potential.  All in all, it is simply an outstanding red that outperforms the vast majority of wines in its price range. 92 Paul Lukacs Oct 13, 2009

Miguel Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Santa Digna Reserva” 2004 ($12, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.): An outstanding value, with sumptuous dark fruit enhanced by the sort of complex secondary aromas and flavors (echoing leather, cocoa, and much more) that many if not most Cabernets costing three times as much fail to deliver.  The wine is beautifully balanced and structured, with sufficient tannin to keep all its elements in harmony, but not to much as ever to seem off-putting.  It's an excellent choice for restaurateurs to pour by the glass and for consumers to buy by the case. 91 Paul Lukacs Jan 22, 2008

Novas, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot “Limited Selection” 2006 ($17, Royal Imports): Indisputably delicious and very impressive at this price, this wine shows lots of ripe fruit and soft, broad texture.  Notes of black plums, dark cherries, cocoa powder and vanilla are very appealing, and though the tannins are quite ripe and soft, there's still enough structure to firm up the finish and permit this to be paired successfully with substantial fare like lamb or beef.
91 Michael Franz Dec 2, 2008

Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "Casillero del Diablo" 2010 ($12, Excelsior Wine & Spirits):  Concha y Toro has built an admirable reputation with its “Devil’s Cellar” wines, for their quality and value.  This tank fermented and aged Sauvignon Blanc has a brilliant light gold color, citrus and tropical fruit aromatics, crisp, dry flavors balanced with a lemony tang and 13.1% alcohol.  A very good value! 90 Gerald D. Boyd Jul 26, 2011

Miguel Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Shiraz “Santa Digna” Reserve 2004 ($11, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.): Working with Chilean fruit, Miguel Torres, who is among the most famous Spaniard vintners, could have opted for either the French 'Syrah' or the Australian 'Shiraz' when designating this wine.  Aside from whatever commercial considerations were involved in the decision, it must have been a fairly difficult one in aesthetic terms, as this impressive wine weds the deeply ripe, assertively flavored Aussie profile with a notable measure of the more earthy, complex side of the grape in its French incarnations.  Blackberries and black cherries are the lead fruit notes, with a healthy dose of spicy oak lending complexity and backbone, but still leaving space on the stage for nice little nuances of wild mushrooms, hay, and tobacco leaves. 90 Michael Franz Apr 17, 2007

Santa Digna, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenere Reserve 2008 ($12):  No country in the world produces better under $15 wines than Chile.  Here’s yet another example.   Produced by Miguel Torres, it is a seriously good red, marked by deep, earthy flavors and an intriguing herbaceous accent.  It offers impressive length and depth, and a level of complexity that many wines costing two or three times as much don’t approach.  At $12, it’s a veritable steal. 90 Paul Lukacs Aug 24, 2010

Terrapura, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2008 ($12, Quintessential):  This is a terrific example of how good Carmenère can be--even at relatively low price points.  Although the wine is big and robust in flavor, with a meaty texture and impressive intensity, it is well balanced and quite sophisticated.  Fully ripe, with no aromatic notes that are weedy or even herbal, it proves that the green, herbaceous notes that appear in a fair number of Carmenère bottlings are the result of under-ripeness rather than any intrinsic property of the grape variety.  Fruit notes of blackberries and black currents are accompanied by light accents of cocoa powder and espresso beans.  Very impressive stuff, and even more so at this price. 90 Michael Franz Jan 12, 2010

Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère Reserve “Santa Digna” 2009 ($10, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  Torres, arguably the most famous name in Spanish wine, has expanded into Chile.  Judging by this Carménère, they will do very well there.  Carménère, a grape native to Bordeaux, but virtually abandoned there, has found a home in Chile.  Once confused with Merlot, it has in a sense become Chile’s national grape once winemakers realized it was a late ripening variety that produced its best wine when harvested a week or two later than Merlot.  The Santa Digna rendition is a poster child for Carménère with an appealing herbal savory--slightly wild--quality to accompany its opulent ripe black fruit notes.  It conveys an attractive slightly rustic aspect even though the tannins are polished. 90 Michael Apstein Mar 8, 2011

Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve “Las Mulas” 2008 ($10, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  Torres, the iconic Spanish wine family, once again was ahead of the curve when they started their outpost in Chile in 1979.  (Their website claims they were the first foreign wine company to invest there).  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, from organically grown grapes, conveys gorgeous intensity without heaviness.  Not a hint of being done or over extracted, it has a fascinating combination of roasted elements, a hint of licorice and black fruit notes--and all of that at 10 bucks a bottle.  Polished tannins provide needed structure while allowing for immediate enjoyment.  An extraordinary bargain. 90 Michael Apstein Sep 14, 2010

Casillero Del Diablo, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenere Reserva 2016 ($11, Excelsior):  A dependable expression of the peppery side of Carmenere, this vintage delivers once again, with a little softer pepper presentation, letting the blackberry and chocolate notes come forward.  There's a pleasant mint character on the nose and in the mouth that add interest.  Beef all the way here -- you can find this easily and fire up the Instant Pot for a quick gourmet meal.
89 Rich Cook Jan 16, 2018

Casillero Del Diablo, Central Valley (Chile) Malbec Reserva 2013 ($12, Excelsior Wines): A fine bottle that shows the classic Chilean profile of pepper and herb over savory meat and earth character.  That said, it's not without pleasant mixed berry and brown spice.  It's certainly interesting enough to keep you coming back, and it's an easy to locate pocketbook pleaser.  This will pair well with a slow cooked beef stew.
89 Rich Cook Sep 1, 2015

Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Casillero del Diablo” Reserve 2008 ($11, Excelsior):  Although I did not care for the Carmenere among the current releases in the “Casillero del Diablo” Reserve line from Concha y Toro, this Cabernet and the Merlot are both terrific.  The Cabernet shows medium-plus body, nice depth of flavor, interesting accents of cocoa and cedar, and very well-measured tannins that provide structure without astringency.  I tasted both wines for three days out of an uncorked bottle, and neither lost any of its fruit or coherence, which is amazing for wines in this price range. 89 Michael Franz Dec 22, 2009

Escudo Rojo, Central Valley (Chile) 2008 ($14, Centerra Wine Company):  An excellent Bordeaux-blend from Chile, this wine lacks the herbal edge and firm structure that so distinguishes many top Chilean reds.  It makes up for any deficit, though, with rich, dark fruit flavor, and a smooth, satisfying finish. 89 Paul Lukacs Jan 26, 2010

Miguel Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Shiraz “Santa Digna” Reserve 2004 ($11, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.): Working with Chilean fruit, Miguel Torres, who is among the most famous Spaniard winemakers, could have opted for either the French 'Syrah' or the Australian 'Shiraz' when designating this wine.  Aside from whatever commercial considerations were involved in the decision, it must have been a fairly difficult one in aesthetic terms, as this impressive wine weds the deeply ripe, assertively flavored Aussie mode with a notable measure of the more earthy, complex side of the grape in its French incarnations.  Blackberries and black cherries are the lead fruit notes, with a healthy dose of spicy oak lending complexity and backbone, but still leaving space on the stage for nice little nuances of wild mushrooms, hay, and tobacco leaves. 89 Michael Franz Apr 3, 2007

Santa Digna, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère Reserve 2008 ($12, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  Showing the varietal’s tell-tale hint of green, weedy herbaceousness, this Carmenère also offers plenty of ripe, plum-like fruit, so certainly never seems raw or unripe.  Instead, it’s luscious--and a bargain to boot.  The Santa Digna wines, made by the Chilean outpost of Spaniard Miguel Torres, rarely disappoint, and this one definitely excites. 89 Paul Lukacs Jan 12, 2010

Terrapura , Central Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2013 ($11, Quintessential): Other reviewers have described this wine as “light,” as if Pinot Noir is meant to be -- what -- heavy?  Of course so many of today’s popular Pinots are indeed so ponderously weighed down by rich ultra-ripe fruit and excessive alcohol that we tend to forget the best Pinot Noirs are generally delicate, often light in color, and (with luck) not overly sweet.  I’m not claiming this $11 Pinot is among the world’s greatest, but it is true to the spirit of the grape, with its pale ruby color, enticingly fragrance, earthy and delicately nuanced red fruit flavors, and relatively long aftertaste.  I’ve tasted a lot of Pinots lately that are twice the price and half as good.
89 Marguerite Thomas Feb 3, 2015

(oops), Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère-Merlot 2006 ($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): This brand is based on Carmenère, despite the curious fact that Carmenère is a bit player in some of the wines.  Given that fact, perhaps it is not surprising that this wine, which is the one most based on Carmenère, is the strongest of the current releases.  It shows very nice fruit recalling blackberries, with accents of anise, smoke and herbs.   The blend is 70/30%, and the balance of fruit and tannin is nearly optimal. 88 Michael Franz Apr 24, 2008

Chilensis, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenere Seleccion Especial 2019 ($10):  The primary label for the Via Wine company founded in 1998, Chilensis is a line of moderately priced wines.  The winery is based in San Rafael in the Maule Valley, and the company owns 2000 ha. in Maule and three other regions.  While Chileans like to tout Carmenere as their answer to Argentinian Malbec, it has not enjoyed the same popularity.  But as wineries discover where it grows best and when to harvest, Chilean Carmenere is on an upward course.  The styles vary widely, but this one is a big, bold, fruit-forward red.  It was aged for four months in new and used barrels.  Dark in color with cherry and raspberry aromatics, it is rich and full bodied.  The red fruit flavors are lively and the finish is slightly tannic.  Overall an excellent pizza wine.        
88 Norm Roby Jan 3, 2023

Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah Casillero del Diablo “Reserva Privada” 2005 ($16, Excelsior): This new flagship release in the Casillero del Diablo line shows a darker, more deeply flavored profile than anything you will have experienced under this brand.  Comprised of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah, it shows impressive density and expressiveness for a wine in this price range, with dark berry fruit that is effectively framed by spicy, smoky oak. 88 Michael Franz Jun 12, 2007

Emiliana, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Natura" 2005 ($10, Banfi Imports): Emiliana, an affiliate of Concha y Toro, one of Chile's best wineries, is making a name for itself with wines made from organically grown grapes bottled under the Natura label.  With over 3,500 acres in several of Chile's prime grape growing regions -- Maipo Valley, Casablanca and Colchagua -- they must be one of the largest, if not the largest, growers of organic grapes in the world.  Whether wine made from organic grapes is inherently better than that made from traditionally grown fruit is still open to debate, but I suspect that, everything else being equal, they are.  This remarkable Cabernet supports my suspicion.  Supple and full-flavored, but not overdone, it has more sophistication than most wines at this price.  Fine tannins and bright acid lend support and keep it lively throughout a meal.  A marvelous value! 88 Michael Apstein Mar 13, 2007

Explorador, Central Valley (Chile) Merlot 2009 ($8, Banfi Vintners):  This wine, produced by Concha y Toro, continues their tradition of delivering more than you’d expect from the price.  Showing more than just fruit--even though there’s plent of that--this Merlot also conveys hints of tar or earth, which balances the ripeness.  The tannins are soft and plush, which means you could drink it as a stand-alone aperitif, but there’s enough going on to make it a good choice at the table with a steak or roast.  Priced at eight bucks, it’s a steal. 88 Michael Apstein Oct 5, 2010

San Pedro, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "9 Lives" Resserve 2018 ($9):  Long a leader in value, Chile strikes again with San Pedro’s 9 Lives Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a richly layered, supple red that shows notes of blackberry and cassis, a touch of spice and smooth tannins.  Remarkable that it sells for less than 10 bucks!  
88 Robert Whitley Nov 12, 2019

Terrapura, Central Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2013 ($11, Quintessential Wines): Looking for a nice Pinot Noir with some complexity and food friendliness but don't have the sixty bucks that seems to have established itself as a base price for such a wine?  Here's a bottle that's worth a look, from an unexpected region.  It's got layered cherry, raspberry and black cherry fruit, with notes of smoky oak spice and roses. It's on the lighter-bodied side, but delivers good flavor integration and a long finish that brings the oak spice forward.  If you've got the sixty, should you buy one of those sixty-dollar specials, or five of these?  Choices….
88 Rich Cook Jan 13, 2015

Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère “Santa Digna” 2009 ($10, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  This is a classic Carmenère, if there is such a thing.  Its aroma has tart red fruit character beneath a ripe, dark-fruit initial impression -- the rather tart red fruit within a riper whole being my Carmenère trigger.  In the mouth, it’s nearly full-bodied with fairly high acidity but also a softness of structure and ripeness of fruit expression, and a touch of oak.  The alcohol (14.5%) creates an expansive body.  Wow!  As $10 wines go, this is double-good. 88 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Apr 26, 2011

Xplorador, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($8, Excelsior):  This is a very solid Cabernet that is true to its Chilean origins, showing a lightly herbal, cedar edge to the dark berry and black cherry fruit, with a moderate tannic grip and a respectably long finish.  And…it costs eight bucks.  All of the current red releases in the Xplorador line from Concha y Toro are quite well made, and though this Cab was my pick of the litter, I’m also happy to recommend the Merlot, Syrah and Carmenère.  Very tough for anything--from anywhere--to beat these for value. 88 Michael Franz Jun 1, 2010

Xplorador by Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Carménère 2008 ($8, Banfi Vintners):  Once mistaken as Merlot (to which it bears a strong resemblance),  has risen to become Chile’s most distinctive varietal wine.  Tank fermented, 60% was aged for five months in stainless steel and the remainder was aged for three months in French oak barrels.  It has a medium-deep purple-red color, roasted coffee and ripe berry aromatics and a dry palate with mineral notes, 13.6% alcohol and light fruit.  At eight bucks, the fact that this wine was aged in French oak, is noteworthy! 88 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

Xplorador by Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Merlot 2009 ($8, Banfi Vintners):  Xplorador Merlot is not only a year younger than the Carménère, but 90% of the Merlot was aged in stainless steel for four months and the remainder 10% in French oak barrels, also for four months.  Could it be that Concha y Toro doesn’t take Merlot as serious as Carménère?  The lighter oak seasoning allows Merlot’s deep plumy fruit with cedar accents to come through.  Nicely textured with soft tannins, 13.1% alcohol and a dry medium finish, this is a very drinkable Merlot at an attractive price. 88 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

(oops), Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 ($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): This well balanced, well made wine features nice fruit notes recalling dark berries and black cherries.  Comprised of 85% Cabernet and 15% Carmenère, it shows solid fruit reminiscent of dark berries and black cherries, with light accent notes of spices and vanilla. 87 Michael Franz Apr 22, 2008

Armador, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2007 ($13, Select Fine Wine):  A pleasant Chilean red, this is a full-fruited wine that tastes more like Cabernet or weighty Merlot than Carmenère, as it lacks the herbal note that so often distinguishes this particular varietal.  Nonetheless, it’s certainly enjoyable to drink, and should be a good match for all sorts of grilled meats when the barbecue gets fired up this summer. 87 Paul Lukacs Apr 20, 2010

Casillero del Diablo, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($10, Excelsior Wine & Spirits): I sometimes worry that wine writers, awash in free samples, forget that the vast number of consumers are more ardently seeking a fine $10 wine that they can enjoy with a clean conscience than a killer $50 wine that they can crack on some special occasion. This is most definitely a fine $10 wine, with pure, deeply flavored, varietally true fruit recalling blackberry and black plum. Aside from a little whiff of dried herbs and vanilla, that's all you'll find here, and that is good news. Pure, honest wine is what you want at this price level, and this bottling fits the bill quite nicely! 87 Michael Franz Jun 20, 2006

Casillero del Diablo, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2014 ($12, Excelsior Wines): Twelve bucks for a wine that delivers varietal character and a sense of place? You won't find this very often, but it's happening in this bottle. Blackberry, black cherry, menthol and bell pepper with some sweet vanilla spice make for a delicious easy drinker that you can buy for your holiday parties -- Halloween, anyone? I'd consider a bottle in my pillowcase a treat. 87 Rich Cook Oct 6, 2015

Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère “Xplorador” 2010 ($8, Excelsior):  Concha y Toro is a brilliant Chilean producer because they deliver value and quality at every price point, even $8, as in the case of this wine.  Plump, it delivers plenty of plum-like ripe fruit, but subtle leafy notes, common to Carménère, prevent it from being a “fruit bomb.”  It’s supple enough to sip before dinner, but you won’t be unhappy with it at the table. 87 Michael Apstein May 17, 2011

Miguel Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Shiraz Reserve 2005 ($11, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.): Few bottlings of Syrah or Shiraz from anywhere in the world can match this wine for delivering flavor and character at this price--and that includes dozens of affordable Shiraz renditions from Australia.  It shows very deep, expressive flavors of dark berry fruit, with a pleasant undertone of spicy oak nicely measured structure from lots of ripe, soft tannin.
87 Michael Franz Feb 26, 2008

Miguel Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Las Mulas" Reserva 2019 ($14, Miguel Torres USA):   Miguel Torres, one of Spain’s leading producers, expanded to Chile in 1979, becoming the first foreign investment in that country’s wine industry, according to their website.  Torres introduced the Las Mulas line — the wines are made entirely from organic grapes — in 2010.  Two years later, all of Torres vineyards were certified organic.  This Cabernet Sauvignon represents a good buy, with a hint of savory notes balancing the black fruit one.  Soft tannins make it ideal for current consumption.  It’s not an overdone wine, as reflected by its modest 13.5 percent stated alcohol.      
87 Michael Apstein Mar 16, 2021

Xplorador, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2009 ($8, Banfi Vintners):

 Well-balanced and flavorful, this inexpensive Carmenere from the Concha y Toro family of wines could well be my barbecue red wine of choice this summer, particularly when I grill burgers or brats. It shows luscious black fruits with hints of spice, and it has the oomph to stand up to charred meats.

87 Robert Whitley Aug 10, 2010

Xplorador by Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($8, Banfi Vintners):  American oak barrels were chosen for aging 30% of this Cabernet for three months, the other 70% rested in stainless steel tanks for three months.  The short aging and the American oak, showcases Cabernet’s blackberry and herbal character.  It’s dry with medium fruit accented with a hint of mint, 13.3% alcohol, though the finish is simple and short. 87 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

(oops), Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc-Carmenère 2006 ($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): This relatively affordable wine offers nice aromatics, with notes of dark cherries and blackberries accented with subtle scents of autumn leaves and dried herbs.  A blend of  84% Cab Franc and 16% Carmenère, it shows enough stuffing to work well with meat dishes, but isn't so big as to preclude stand-alone sipping. 86 Michael Franz Apr 22, 2008

Casillero Del Diablo, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenere Reserva 2013 ($11, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): Carmenère presents a very different set of aroma and flavor possibilities than most American wine drinkers are used to, and they can be a bit off-putting at first sniff, tending to present a lot of green pepper and meaty aromas initially.  This wine presents as such, but with some air time in the glass it reveals pleasant black fruit and dusty mineral characteristics that make for a tasty glass.  This bottling shows oodles of dill from 9 months in American oak, so give it a long decant and serve it with something gamey.
86 Rich Cook Nov 17, 2015

Oops, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc - Carmenere 2006 ($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): I dislike wines with cutesy names and am reluctant to recommend them.  But in this case, the quality of the contents trumps the name.  A blend of mostly (84%) Cabernet Franc and the remainder Carmenere, this shows an appealingly leathery, almost smoky character, as opposed to solely pure sweet fruit flavors.  Nicely balanced with supple tannins, it's a wine to drink now. 86 Michael Apstein May 27, 2008

Oops, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 ($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): The 2006 vintage of this high-value producer's wines stands as a real step up from the 2005 offerings.  A dollop (15%) of Carmenere adds herbal nuances that balance the ripe Cabernet black fruit flavors.  If only they'd change the name. 86 Michael Apstein May 27, 2008

Oops, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2007 ($11, Schwartz Olcott Imports): The name remains annoying and the label remains incomprehensible at its attempt to be cute, but  this Carmenère continues to improve with each successive vintage and offers terrific value.  A bit of spice and herbal notes complement some dark berry-like fruit flavors.  Tannins are supple, but not soft, so they provide necessary structure.  All in all, a great $11 bottle of wine. 86 Michael Apstein Jan 27, 2009

(oops), Central Valley (Chile) Carménère - Merlot 2006 ($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports):

I didn't care for the 2005 versions of any of the wines sold under the Oops label.  And although I still don't care for the name, the wines are definitely more interesting and worth a recommendation.  The Carménère, which is two-thirds of the blend, brings nuances of earthiness to the bright prominent cherry fruit flavors.

85 Michael Apstein Jun 3, 2008

Casillero del Diablo, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2013 ($11):  Casillero del Diablo is an entry level wine produced by Concha y Toro, Chile's largest and perhaps most important wine company. This it has access to reliable grape sources on a regular basis, which is an important factor at this price point. The 2013 Cab offers a burst of juicy red fruit, with a slightly herbal note that is far from off-putting. In its price range it is a star among inexpensive Cabernets.
85 Robert Whitley Nov 18, 2014

Cono Sur, Central Valley (Chile) Merlot 2008 ($10, Vineyard Brands):  I think it is safe to say that $10 Merlot is currently one of the most mistrusted options in the entire world of wine, but this is a bottling that offers pure flavors and very good quality for the money.  You won’t find a lot of nuanced complexity, but there’s plenty of honest plum and black cherry fruit along with a subtle leafy edge. 85 Michael Franz Oct 13, 2009

Terrapura, Central Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2013 ($11, Quintessential):  Chile is not known for its Pinot Noir and this one isn't likely to change that. What it is, however, is a breakthrough Pinot at this price point. While a bit on the light side, it exhibits true Pinot character, with a pleasing strawberry note and a leafy, earthy nuance that many will find appealing. But what's most appealing is the price. Palatable Pinot at $11 is a very rare find.
85 Robert Whitley Jan 6, 2015

Cono Sur, Central Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2007 ($10, Vineyard Brands): Although this wine is a big step down in attractiveness and sophistication from its stable mate bottling from the Colchagua Valley, it is also significantly less expensive and more than a match for virtually every $10 Pinot Noir in the world.  Soft fruit notes recall cherries and dark berries, and though the aromas and flavors are simple, they are quite pleasant. 83 Michael Franz Jul 8, 2008

Leyenda, Chile (Chile) Cermenere 2017 ($15):   Carmenere may be the forgotten grape of Bordeaux but it's alive and kicking in Chile, where the sunny, warm growing season produces a lush, vibrant red that exhibits plenty of heft, layered complexity and inviting red-fruit aromas.  This is a beautiful example of the genre and a Platinum Award winner at the 37th San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.  
94 Robert Whitley Apr 9, 2019

Concha y Toro, Chile (South America) Carmenere 'Casillero del Diablo' 2008 ($11, Excelsior Wines & Spirits):

The trio of Concha y Toro Chilean reds – Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon -- from the 'Devil’s Cellar' represent good value and pleasant drinking.  Carmenere, an erstwhile Bordeaux variety that has found a home in Chile, is similar to Merlot, deeply colored with soft fruit, traces of dark chocolate and vanilla and a finished alcohol of 14%.  Aging in both oak and stainless steel retains the wine’s bright fruitiness while adding the texture and structure of oak maturation.  Extra points for value!

90 Gerald D. Boyd Apr 6, 2010

San Pedro, Chile (South America) “1865 Master Blend” 2020 ($25, Park Street Imports):  One of many price levels of red wines from this well-known producer, the Master Blend does have an excellent integration of flavors – the lovely barrel tastes in the background with the more-vibrant fruit flavors of cassis and slightly tart blackberries in the foreground with a finish of dusty tannins.  It fits neatly into that category of a casual dinner wine, a step up from an everyday “house wine" but not quite a weekend big dinner beverage.      
90 Roger Morris Jan 16, 2024

Casillero del Diablo, Chile (Chile) Merlot Reserva 2016 ($11, Excelsior): A budget friendly Merlot for fans of the pepper driven style, with bold bell pepper aromas and flavors joined by cherry, blackberry and brown spice -- a fine foil for simply prepared beef dishes.
88 Rich Cook Jun 27, 2017

Concha y Toro, Chile (South America) Merlot 'Casillero del Diablo' 2008 ($11):

Aged in American oak and stainless steel tanks, this deep purple hued Merlot shows up-front berry and herbal aromas with an earthy back note.  The soft fruity flavors are accented with hints of smoked meat and supported by firm tannins. Stylized and distinctly different from a California Merlot, it is finished with 13% alcohol.

88 Gerald D. Boyd Apr 6, 2010

Cono Sur, Chile (South America) Pinot Noir 2020 ($11):  I continue to be impressed with this label and what it can deliver for such a modest price.  I can taste the provenance without any of the green tones that often plague Pinot Noir from this area.  Vibrant acidity, long and food friendly with tart cherry and citric notes?  Sign me up.       
88 Rich Cook Jan 18, 2022

Alcance, Chile (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($15, Jackson Family Estates): Made from grapes from Chile’s Maule and Itata valleys, this Cab has a beautiful cranberry color.  It has aromas of blackberries and wood/toast, with an herbal note.  The wine is quite dry, with young fruit flavors and firm tannins.  The wine is a little tight right now, but promises to open up nicely with a couple years in the bottle. 87 Tina Caputo Jul 28, 2009

Concha y Toro, Chile (South America) Cabernet Sauvignon 'Casillero del Diablo' 2008 ($11, Excelsior Wine & Spirits):

Despite the addition of 10% Carmenere, which in theory should soften the Cabernet and brighten the overall character of the wine, I found this wine to be the weakest of the three. The color was deep and inviting but the aromatics were muted and closed with just a hint of berry.  The flavors were simple and tight and the wine finished at 13.6% alcohol and a bit short.  In this price range the wine should be more open and inviting.

85 Gerald D. Boyd Apr 6, 2010

DeMartino, Choapa Valley (Chile) Syrah “Legado” 2011 ($19, Opici Wines): De Martino, one of Chile’s finest producers, is situated in the Maipo region.  The grapes for this wine, however, come from Choapa Valley, 250 miles north of Santiago, from a vineyard almost 2800 feet high in the Andes Mountains.  The wine has a complex aroma of red fruits, fresh fruit preserves, and herbs.  In the mouth, it is dry, lean and nearly full-bodied, with concentrated fruit flavor (dark berry, red plum, red berry) and a considerable amount of tannin.  An attractive juiciness gives the taste freshness.  This is a fairly gutsy, chewy Old World-style red that will drink well for a few years, and represents very good value.
89 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Jul 30, 2013

Otronia I, Chubut (Patagonia, Chile) Pinot Noir 2019 ($90, New Frontier Wines):  I have long been fascinated with winegrowing in Patagonia, the final frontier in the Southern Hemisphere for winemakers who want to move further south as global warming allows them to grow grapes where previously it wasn’t practical.  This Pinot is understandably light in body and color and is very perfumed with tart flavors of cherry, fresh apricot and a little black raspberry.  The fact that it has lots of dusty tannins help gives it substance.      
90 Roger Morris Dec 26, 2023

Montgras, Colchagua (Valle Central, Chile) Carmenère Reserva 2013 ($12, Palm Bay International): The vineyards of Chile are a reliable source of excellent value wines.  The Colchagua Valley lies south of Santiago and is noted for quality wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.  Carmenère is Chile’s distinctive Bordeaux grape variety, having arrived in Chile before the plague of phylloxera devastated the Bordeaux vineyards in the late 19th century.  Deep in color, the 2013 Montgras Carmenère Reserva shows scents of ripe blackberries, blackcurrants and cherries with hints of roasted coffee, fresh herbs and baking spices.  Full flavored and rich on the palate, it offers sumptuous layers of black fruits underlain by coffee, herb and cinnamon-spice tones.  The wine shows balance and richness, avoiding the sometimes excessive green pepper characteristics of some Carmenère  bottlings.  The Montgras Reserva offers amazingly good quality for its friendly price.
90 Wayne Belding Apr 21, 2015

Carmen, Colchagua (Valle de Cachapoal, Chile) Carmenère El Peñasco Gran Reserva 2021 ($18, Saranty Imports):  Carmen Winery has been around for over a century and helped popularize Carmenère in Chile.  Today, in Colchagua, Carmenère is the second most widely planted grape variety and helps put the Colchagua Denominaciónes de Origen on the wine map.  Carmen’s Gran Reserva is an appealing wine and hits all the wickets that my American friends and family want in their red wines.  The nose is fruit driven with light smokey notes that remind me of a burnt campfire.  The body is dry in wine terms but enjoys a little sweetness to compliment its mouthfeel and flavors, which include prune, tobacco leaf, dried cranberry, Acai berry, and fig.  With a price tag under $20 and a wide distribution, this wine is a safe choice to broaden your wine experience or share with your friends who need a nudge outside of their normal wine routine.    
88 Vince Simmon Sep 26, 2023

Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Clos Apalta 2008 ($75, Moët Hennessey USA):  This, Casa Lapostolle’s top wine, remains one of Chile’s best.  Made primarily from Carménère, Chile’s signature grape, it combines fruit flavors—both black and red—with earthy and herbal notes in a luxuriously supple package of fine tannins.  The non-fruit nuances for which Carménère is notorious add great complexity.  A concentrated wine, it is by no means over the top.  Its silky texture and great length makes it easy to enjoy now, but its balance and harmony suggest it will evolve beautifully with a decade of cellaring. The 2008 Might just be their best ever. 95 Michael Apstein Mar 27, 2012

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “G” 2005 ($90, Royal Imports): This exceedingly impressive flagship wine from Emiliana is a blend of 30% Syrah, 30% Carmenere, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot.  Made entirely from certified biodynamic grapes from the Los Robles estate, it is a very big, dark, concentrated wine that is very expressive from the first whiff to the last flavor in the very persistent finish.  However, the sheer size and power of the wine are not its only attractions, as there are lots of little complexities that show up in the form of subtle aromatic and flavor shadings, as well as textural interplay between a ripe, soft side to the wine and a grippy firmness lent by grape and wood tannins.  In an overall sense, the wine exudes quality and class, with a purity and symmetry that is extremely impressive.  It figures that the very best fruit and best barrels were employed in this effort, which is virtually always the case in 'statement' wines like this one, yet nothing is obvious or overdone, which is rather rarely the case in statement wines. 95 Michael Franz Dec 30, 2008

Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère “Alka” 2007 ($60, Winesellers, Ltd.):  By now many wine lovers have tried a few bottles of Carmenère, a relatively new wine made in Chile from a long-lost Bordeaux grape that was rediscovered there less than 20 years ago.  However, trying a few bottles is not the same as trying one that was made by pulling out all the stops and trying to actualize the grape’s full potential.  This is such a wine, and it is a show stopper.  I’m not engaging in mere hyperbole here, as the wine did effectively stop a show last week, when I poured it “blind” to a group of elite South African winemakers at a dinner in Washington, DC.  Nobody could guess the nature of the wine (which wasn’t surprising, since Carmenère is virtually unavailable in South Africa), but everyone at a large table loved the wine and fell into a prolonged silence when presented with it.  Very rich and muscular but still balanced and proportional, this is packed with dark fruit flavors and edged with accents of spices, woodsmoke, anise, espresso beans and mocha.  This will probably become even more complex during the next few years, but there’s no reason to hold back from enjoying it right now. 95 Michael Franz Jun 14, 2011

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Franco" 2010 ($70, Global Vineyard Importers): This wine is the first high-end bottling of Cabernet Franc that I’ve seen from Chile, and the debut release is totally convincing, even with a price tag of $70.  Impressively dark in appearance, dense in weight, and deep in flavor, the wine is nevertheless impressively refined as well, with excellent integration (despite a notable dose of oak) and no hint of over-ripeness or over-extraction.  The dark-toned fruit is beautifully accented with notes of graphite and subtle spices, and the fine-grained tannins lend just the right degree of grip to frame the delicious fruit component.  Having tasted drop-dead-gorgeous Cabernet Franc from Uruguay and wondered why other vintners weren’t following suit there, I must now ask the same question regarding Chile.
95 Michael Franz Sep 24, 2013

Carmen, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere Alpalta Vineyard Gran Reserva 2012 ($15, Trinchero Vineyards): Tasters seem to agree that Carmenere from Chile makes itself known in the glass more than any other red wine on earth. This wine trumpets the fact, with signature meatiness and bell pepper character over black cherry and brown spice, all delivered with moderate tannins and a firm finish that keeps the flavors lingering.  I'm thinking an herbaceous beef preparation will make a great match.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2015 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition. 94 Rich Cook Mar 24, 2015

Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Clos Apalta” 2003 ($60, Moët-Hennessy USA): Casa Lapostolle's Clos Apalta has justifiably received more attention than other Carmenère-based wines in Chile.  Made from two-thirds Carmenère with the reminder divided about equally between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2003 Clos Apalta has a rich, seductive, velvety mouth feel, with intense blackberry and chocolate aromas and flavors, and a long, lingering finish on the palate.  One of Chile's best red wines. 94 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Hacienda Araucano / François Lurton, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere "Alka" 2009 ($50, Winesellers, USA): My considered opinion is that Carmenere is a considerably more noble and promising variety than most wine writers seem to recognize, and this terrific wine provides an extremely strong case in point.  Entirely free of any hint of the green, weedy character with which some writers associate Carmenere (mistakenly, since this results from under-ripe grapes rather than any intrinsic attribute of the variety), this shows gorgeous aromas and flavors of blackberries and dark cherries, espresso beans, dark chocolate and toasty oak.  Deep and persistent in flavor, with full body and striking intensity, it is nevertheless not overbearing in any respect, and would be a near-perfect partner for a charcoal-grilled steak.  Outstanding!
94 Michael Franz Feb 11, 2014

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($20, Global Vineyard):  This impressive Cabernet Sauvignon combines elegance with voluptuous texture and beautifully concentrated flavors.  Along with notes of red fruit it delivers hints of spice and dark chocolate.  Maquis is notable also for its considerable length and a long aftertaste. 
94 Marguerite Thomas Feb 13, 2018

Neyen, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Espiritu de Apalta” 2008 ($50, Huneeus Importers): This high-end blend of 80% Carmenère and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon shows yet again that Carmenère can threaten the world’s established noble varieties when handled deftly in the vineyard and cellar. Dark and deeply flavored, this shows tastefully restrained vanilla and smoke scents atop a core of fruit recalling blackberries, dark cherries and black currents. Neither green nor over-ripe, is offers big flavors in a balanced mode, and though you wouldn’t want to serve it with anything much less robust than grilled meat or aged cheese, this shows real class, and isn’t just another kick-down-the-door “statement wine.”
94 Michael Franz May 21, 2013

Viña Ventisquero, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère Apalta Vineyard “Obliqua” 2017 ($60):  I’ll start and end with the same line:  This is an absolutely outstanding example of the breed.  The Apalta sub-region of Chile’s Colchagua Valley is the world epicenter for the Carménère variety, where the best examples achieve full, graceful ripeness, resulting in wines of excellent richness with no green aromas and balanced acidity.  The aforementioned “green” aromas or vegetal notes are definitely NOT inherent to this variety (as some inexperienced writers have mistakenly maintained), though they do show up in lesser renditions that aren’t fully ripened when picked.  The variety often needs a full two weeks after Cabernet Sauvignon to get fully ripe, though things get dicey if it is left to hang too long on the vine, as natural acidity can drop quickly, necessitating addition of powdered tartaric acid that can seem un-natural finished wines.  All of this is to say:  Carménère is not an easy variety to make into excellent wine, so it is important to buy quality renditions from the best producers and locations.  This wine is exactly that.  Full-bodied but not heavy, and faintly herbal but definitely not “green,” this offers varietal distinctiveness and lots of little nuances, thanks to deftly measured oak and sufficient time in bottle prior to release to let the wine’s structural, aroma and flavor elements integrate fully.  The packaging is beautiful (though some will lament the heavy bottle) and the wine is rock-solid, showing even better on the second night after being left open — a sure sign that this is built to benefit from additional bottle age.  Sorry for the “spoiler” above, but this is an absolutely outstanding example of the breed.        
94 Michael Franz Aug 24, 2021

Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Clos de Lolol” 2010 ($23, Winesellers Ltd.): This is, quite simply, one of the handful best bargains that I’ve tasted in 2013, out of more than 8,000 wines.  A blend of 46% Carmenere, 35% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows big-time richness and power, yet it never comes across as heavy or overblown.  Highly expressive aromas of cedar and dried herbs announce its Chilean terroir, and the fruit shows lots of punchy dark berry flavor with just the right firming grip from oak and tannin.  Extremely impressive and, frankly, superior in complexity to many reds from Napa or Bordeaux that sell for more than $50.
93 Michael Franz Dec 31, 2013

Hacienda Araucano / François Lurton, Colchagua Valley (Central Valley, Chile) Carmenère “Alka" 2015 ($80, Winesellers Ltd.):  One of the original six grapes of Bordeaux, Carmenère, is rarely grown in France anymore but has flourished in Chile's Central Valley over the past 150 years.  This 100 percent Carmenère offers dense, ripe, and robust flavors of plums, blackberries, and cocoa notes, along with power, concentration, and balance.  It holds the peppery and spicy varietal character of Carmenère.  This style may have originated in France, but it pairs exceptionally well with chicken molé.         
93 Miranda Franco Dec 14, 2021

Los Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Maquis Lien” 2014 ($35, Global Vineyard Importers):  I’ve loved every release of this wine going back at least to 2006, and strongly encourage you to buy and enjoy any bottle you can find (as I’ve never tasted a vintage that wasn’t better for however much time it had been in bottle, including the 2006, 2007 and 2008).  The blend is led by Carmenere and Cabernet Franc, and consequently is proudly and distinctively Chilean in style, with wonderful topnotes of autumn leaves and dried herbs.  Nearly full-bodied but not at all heavy or overblown, this shows dark toned fruit recalling black currants, blackberries and Bing cherries, with the leafy, fruity and savory notes all beautifully proportioned in relation to one another.  The tannins and wood are likewise very well measured, allowing immediate enjoyment of this current release (which was sent to market only after admirable aging) but also promising years of positive development.   
93 Michael Franz Nov 5, 2019

Los Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Red Blend “Maquis Lien” 2017 ($35, Global Vineyard Importers):  This wine has been a personal favorite going back to at least the 2006 vintage, and the 2017 release continues a proud tradition.  A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc and 11% Carménère, it is full of aromatic complexities and flavor intricacies — but with no overt wood nor the slightest hint of residual sugar.  Scents and flavors recalling blackberry form the wine’s core of fruit, with accents of dried herbs and cedar.  The tannins are firm but fine-grained, and the acidity keeps this fresh and very well suited to robust foods, which it will both flatter and benefit from on account of the wine’s uncompromising dryness.  Very serious, very classy, and a very good value.         
93 Michael Franz Jan 4, 2022

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Le Dix de Los Vascos” Estate Grown 2016 ($61, Taub Family Selections):  Los Vascos, the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) property in Chile, unsurprisingly makes great red wines.  This one, Le Dix, is their top-of-the-line offering, and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85 percent) with equal amounts of Syrah, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc.  As expected from a Lafite-related property, Le Dix is elegant, not flamboyant. It has plenty of weight, yet is finesse-filled with suave tannins.  Its savory focus is clear with olive-tinged flavors and a subtle, and welcome, bitter finish.  Not a ripe fruit-forward wine, it is an excellent choice with a simply grilled steak.   
93 Michael Apstein Apr 7, 2020

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva "Cromas” 2020 ($25, Taub Family Selections):  My clear sense is that the “Lafite” side of the Rothschild family took a long time to really get its footing and start making excellent wine in Chile (despite a very early start), but this “Cromas” line offers further evidence that the team is really dialing things in.  This Cab Franc is just herbal enough to keep the grape in mind, and with a little touch of cedar and eucalyptus to keep Chile in the picture, but there’s also gorgeously pure fruit that makes this an exceptionally successful “New World” rendition of the variety.  Medium-bodied (thank you — good call — all too easy to thicken this up and lose connection with the variety) and very nicely ripened and modestly oaked, this is just flat-out delicious.  Sip after sip, it never shows a slip.       
93 Michael Franz Feb 27, 2024

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Syrah Gran Reserva "Cromas” 2020 ($25, Taub Family Selections):  Both the Cabernet Franc and this Syrah in the Gran Reserva "Cromas” line are so well grown and made that I found it impossible to find a point’s worth of difference in their quality for scoring.  This is a bigger and more flavorful wine, but then, as Syrah — it should be.  However, it isn’t even close to the stereotype of Shiraz, but rather tastes as much Old World as New (which is what Chile, Uruguay and South Africa alone seems capable of outside of Europe).  Terrific flavor and detail here for the asking price.        
93 Michael Franz Feb 27, 2024

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Lien" 2011 ($30, Global Vineyard Importers): This is a highly complex, totally compelling wine...and a great value to boot.  The 2011 Maquis "Lien" is a blend of 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Carménère, 25% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot.  Full-bodied but quite fresh and never "heavy," it shows highly appealing aromas of dried herbs, cedar, and ripe dark berries, with beautifully balanced fruit offering open flavors framed by fine tannins and subtle oak and enlivened by good acidity.  Always excellent, this is particularly good in 2011, and readers should take note that this is the current release--meaning that you'll be getting a nicely matured wine that is ready to enjoy, thanks to someone else having done the cellaring for you.
93 Michael Franz Feb 28, 2017

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Lien” 2008 ($30, Global Vineyard Importers):  This is a remarkable wine at its best (a former “Wine of the Year” for me on Wine Review Online), and the newly-released 2008 vintage is certainly among the best ever released.  Comprised of 25% Carmenère, 25% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot and 15% Malbec, it is packed with complex aromas and flavors, but never seems over-ripe or excessive.  Dark toned fruit shows excellent concentration as well as bracing from plenty of fine-grained tannin, with appealing topnotes of cedar and dried herbs that proudly announce the wine’s Chilean origins.  Capable of improving for at least another 5 years, this puts many $50 reds to shame. 93 Michael Franz Oct 23, 2012

Montes, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Apalta "Alpha M" 2010 ($80, T.G.I.C. Importers): With their “M” bottling, which they don’t produce every year, Montes has consistently demonstrated the heights that Chilean red Bordeaux blends can achieve.  Indeed, the M could stand for “marvelous” or “magnificent.”  It explodes on the palate delivering dense ripe and savory components that play off beautifully against one another.  It’s a powerful wine, to be sure, but it’s not overdone, carrying its 14.5% stated alcohol nicely.  Firm tannins lend appropriate support without being intrusive.  Those who love intense Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends could enjoy it now with a hearty beef dish, but I think its grandeur will really show with five or more years of cellaring.
93 Michael Apstein Aug 13, 2013

Montes, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere "Purple Angel" 2003 ($60, TGIC Importers): There's a lot of wine in this bottle, and though it is big and brawny and very deeply flavored, it also comes off as being surprisingly mineral and classy. This is surprising in a New World wine clearly intended to make a statement, and the balance struck here between power and poise is really quite impressive. The fruit shows notes of blackberry and black cherry, and accents of cedar, vanilla, woodsmoke and light spices all present themselves in a convincingly symmetrical pattern. The finish shows plenty of fine-grained tannin, but this is easily counterbalanced by the sweetness of the fruit, and the tannins give way to show an interesting mineral streak late in the wine's finish. 93 Michael Franz Oct 31, 2006

Ventisquero, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Apalta Vineyard “Vertice” 2019 ($29, Austral Wines):  This bold blend of Syrah and Carménère, combines attractive elements of each grape.  Together, it’s a harmonious blend of dark fruit, leafy notes — Carménère speaking — and smokey peppery nuances of Syrah.  A suave texture allows you to enjoy this weighty, yet not overdone, wine now.  The spice and acidity in the finish keeps it fresh. As an aside, it’s a joint venture of winemakers from Chile, Felipe Tosso, and Australia, John Duval, perhaps because each has unique experience with their countries’ signature grapes, Carménère and Syrah, respectively.        
93 Michael Apstein Feb 20, 2024

Viña Carmen, Colchagua Valley (Rapel Valley, Chile) Carmenere Gran Reserva 2011 ($15, Trinchero): Is it just a coincidence that a producer named Carmen should excel with Carmenere, which is arguably Chile’s national grape?  Coincidence or not, they’ve excelled with this 2011.  The Apalta area, one of the most famous ones in the Colchagua Valley, supplied the raw materials and the winemaking team at Viña Carmen turned them into excellent wine.  One of the attributes of Carmenere is its ability to convey non-fruit flavors, even when young.  Viña Carmen has exploited this characteristic admirably, combining a plum-like fruitiness with an endearing savory funkiness.  Its suave texture makes it all the more appealing.  This beautifully balanced wine continues to show excellence with a hint of bitterness in the finish, making it an ideal choice for hearty wintertime food, such as slow simmered lamb shanks.
93 Michael Apstein Feb 24, 2015

Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère “Cuvée Alexandre” 2019 ($25, MundoVino):  From its humble beginnings in Bordeaux to serving as the star of Chile’s viticultural scene, the Carménère grape has quite the story to tell, and the 2019 Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Carmenère tells its story through intense aromas and flavors.  Cracked peppercorn, crushed dark berries, and sweet spice flavors dominate the wine’s mouth-coating palate.  This full-bodied expression of the Carmenère grape is powerful yet balanced with fine-grained, abundant tannins.  Enjoy it with all things grilled.        
92 Miranda Franco Aug 15, 2023

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($20, Global Vineyard Importers):  I tasted this wine alongside the same wine from 2017, and though this is less “remarkable” on account of being less strikingly reminiscent of Bordeaux from the mid-1970s, it is also less likely to prove jarring to those who buy and try it now.  Notably more fruity and consequently less austere in flavor and stern in finish, it is a steal for $20 and one that will prove very broadly appealing if paired with the right foods — but remember that this is still situated on the “serious” side of the Cabernet continuum.  I’ll get to the “right foods” momentarily, but a pause is in order to emphasize that this is not a “cocktail wine,” which is no knock on it, as I think that Cabernet that is so sweetened up that it could serve that purpose has become a concoction rather than a Cabernet.  But enough ranting from me:  Pair this with hard cheeses or something with both some fat (grilled pork or chicken sausage with apples) or fatty beef cuts like short ribs.  The wine is both delicious and distinctive, but it is hardly the standard-issue Cab in this era, so use this accordingly.      
92 Michael Franz May 3, 2022

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Lien" 2009 ($30, Global Vineyard Importers): This is the seventh vintage of this wine that I’ve tasted, and every release has been excellent.  The suggested retail price has doubled across that time span, but in fairness, the wine has also become more concentrated and complex, and the 2009 still offers very strong value at its price point.  A blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 32% Syrah, 23% Carmenère and 2% Petit Verdot, it is strikingly complex both aromatically and in flavor, with subtle herbal and savory accents riding atop interesting fruit notes that show both black and red tones.  The oak is discernable but still subtle, and the tannins are very nicely weighted to the fruit.  You can find Bordeaux that is this interesting for the money but not as accessible, and you can find California blends that are as accessible but not as complex or interesting.  If I were a vintner in Napa or the Medoc, this wine would be causing me some sleepless nights.
92 Michael Franz Sep 24, 2013

Montes Alpha, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Syrah 2004 ($23, T.G.I.C. Importers): The worldwide craze over Syrah hasn't quite taken hold in Chile, although there is growing interest among producers in this noble red grape from France's Rhone Valley. The shining exception is Aurelio Montes, who was profoundly impressed during a trip to the northern Rhone several years ago. He returned to Chile and immediately set about planting Syrah vines on the steepest hillsides near his winery in the Colchagua Valley - at a time when most of the other vineyards of Chile were planted on the easier-to-farm valley floors. Though this was quickly dubbed Montes' "folly", a name he used later on his very best Syrah of each vintage, it was Montes who enjoyed the last laugh. His Syrah is the finest in South America and one of the best in the world. The Alpha Syrah may be a cut below the Folly Syrah, but then it's one-third the price. The powerfully structured '04 Alpha features a meaty, smoky nose, bold black fruit aromas on the palate and a suggestion of spice. 92 Robert Whitley Jul 25, 2006

Santa Rita, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère “Pehuén” 2005 ($70, Palm Bay Imports): This impressively intense, deeply flavorful wine provides another nail in the coffin for the view that Carmenère is just a useful blending agent rather than a potentially great wine grape variety in its own right.  Packed with scents and flavors of sweet dark berries, it also shows accents of spicy oak, cocoa powder, and black licorice.  There's plenty of tannin to provide structure, but there's also so much sweet fruit that the balance works out very harmoniously. 92 Michael Franz Mar 10, 2009

TerraNoble, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère “Costa CA2” 2020 ($36, Winebow):  Carménère flourishes in Chile's Colchagua Valley, and the 2020 TerraNoble Costa CA2 showcases the depth of the fertile Colchagua Valley beneath the Andes.  This Carménère is lush, succulent, and enveloping.  The first pour opens with a rush of red berries — red currant, cherry pit, and crushed red raspberries underpinned by a cedary spice.  The palate immediately wows with a profound purity of that red fruit and spice with a rigorous backbone of acid and mouth-coating tannin.      
92 Miranda Franco Oct 17, 2023

Ventisquero, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère Apalta Vineyard “Obliqua” 2017 ($71, Austral Wines):  Made entirely from Carménère, arguably Chile’s signature grape, grown in the famed Apalta sub-region, this juicy bottling displays a wonderful combination of red and dark fruit with spice and other non-fruit, savory notes.  Like the Vertice, the tannins are present, yet supple and not intrusive, so this hearty red is ready for mid-winter fare.  Despite it seven years of age, it was closed initially but blossomed in the glass over 30 minutes.  This is a wine to savor.      
92 Michael Apstein Feb 20, 2024

Viña Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc “Gran Reserva” 2019 ($23, Global Vineyard Importers):  Chile can make fabulous Cabernet Franc, and that’s not hyperbole but rather something I can explain very precisely, if not exactly concisely:  The sunny conditions of the strip between the coastal mountain range along the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains enable full ripening of this variety, which can be green or “weedy” or vegetal in cooler years in cooler, less sunny areas.  And yet, thanks to a combination of cooling breezes off the Pacific and a winegrowing culture in Chile that isn’t afraid of herbal aromas in red Bordeaux varieties, the country can still hit the sweet spot in which Cabernet Franc tastes like, well, Cabernet Franc.  (That sounds circular, I admit, but it isn’t:  Argentina can’t achieve the same result at the same latitude, where Cabernet Franc smells and tastes like Cabernet Sauvignon from elsewhere; only Uruguay and Virginia can routinely hit this same sweet spot in the Western Hemisphere, at least for the moment.)  Viña Maquis is Chile’s premier producer of Cabernet Franc, and actually produces a super-premium, $90 per bottle wine called “Franco” above the level of the wine reviewed here, but you can truly get the idea from this wine, which is very nearly only one-quarter the price of the “Franco.”  It shows medium-plus body, pleasantly herbal and varietally-correct aromas, flavors recalling ripe blackberries and black currents, just a little whiff and flavor suggestion of oak, and very fine tannins that are beautifully measured against the wine’s fruit density.  This can stand up to a steak, but won’t beat up a pork chop.  Terrific value.          
92 Michael Franz Apr 18, 2023

Viña Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Lien” 2005 ($18, Global Vineyard Importers): I so enjoyed this Chilean blend with this week's 'wine with' dish that I saved some to try again the next day--when the half empty bottle tasted every bit as good.  It's an unorthodox blend of Syrah, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec; and while it displays characteristic Chilean herbal notes in the bouquet, it also offers voluptuous fruit flavors, a silky texture, and a finish that lingers very long, making for a wine that is both complex and compelling. 92 Paul Lukacs Feb 17, 2009

Viu Manent, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere Reserva "Estate Collection" 2021 ($15, Grape Expectations):  This winery is on a hot streak of late.  This 2021 Carmenere comes across with slightly more complexity than the 2020.  Very dark, opaque in the glass, it displays ripe cherry and raspberry aromas but with some green tea, peppercorn notes that come on as the wine evolves with airing.  Full bodied, plush, with big ripe fruit flavors, it has some herbaceousness and ample acidity to hold it together.  On the finish, the youthful tannins poke through and give it a drying aftertaste.  Not a one dimensional fruit bomb, this is multi-layered powerful stuff.  It could benefit from short term aging.       
92 Norm Roby Jan 10, 2023

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc "Reserva Especial" 2016 ($14):  Good luck beating this Cabernet Franc for the price from anyplace.  This exceptionally tasteful wine has it all -- aroma, flavor, texture and finish -- but all in balance and in a restrained profile at an amazing price.  Medium-bodied, as I’d hope for (as I can buy Zinfandel if I want meatier wine), it shows very precise Cab Franc aromas with a lovely leafy edge that doesn’t tip over into anything vegetal or pyrazine-driven.  Pure and fresh, with essentially no overt wood influence (but no grapey character either), this is a model of varietal character with a notable terroir signature from Colchagua in Chile.  The blend includes 6% Carmenere and 3% Petit Verdot.  Amazing for the money, and excellent without regard to cost.  
91 Michael Franz Sep 3, 2019

Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Apalta Vineyard “Cuvée Alexandre” 2009 ($21, Moët Hennessey USA):  The layered complexity in this wine is astonishing given its price tag, as Cabernets with this sort of nuanced sophistication usually cost at least twice as much.  Fashioned in an international style, yet retaining some of the herbaceous edge so typical of Chilean reds, it is a wine that over delivers with each sip.  Given its well-defined structure, it should age gracefully for five to ten years, but is so tasty now that there is no reason to defer gratification.
91 Paul Lukacs Nov 15, 2011

Casa Silva, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère Los Lingues Vineyard 2018 ($22, Vine Connections):  Carmenère can translate to crimson, and this exhibits Carmenère's telltale deep purple color and provides a feast for the nose and the palate.  This distinctive and delicious Carmenère from the higher altitude Andes part of the Colchagua Valley offers up dense blackberry, black currant, black peppercorns, and wood aromas, while the palate provides familiar varietal flavors of peppery spice, blackberry, and can't miss herbal notes.  It has a seamless and charming finish displaying suggestions of char-roasted fruit with leafy tannins and moderate oak flavor.          
91 Miranda Franco Mar 1, 2022

Coyam, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 2006 ($30): This very interesting wine, which was made from biodynamically grown grapes, is comprised of 34% Syrah, 31% Merlot, 17% Carmenère, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec.  Although it is undeniably dark and dense and muscular in character, it also shows very impressive aromatic complexity, with fruit notes of dark berries, plums and black cherries as well as interesting accents notes of dried herbs, cedar and subtle woodsmoke.  There's enough tannin to firm and define the wine into the finish, but the tannins are quite fine in grain and never turn astringent. 91 Michael Franz Dec 9, 2008

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 'Coyam' 2009 ($34, Royal Imports): While organic wines don't have much of a track record of accomplishment, the picture is beginning to change. Emiliana is among the world leaders in organic wines, and that's not to damn them with faint praise. The Emiliana wines certainly have set the bar high for organic vino, in Chile and the rest of the world, too. It's top wine, Coyam, is an unusual blend of Bordeaux and Rhone grapes -- Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre, Carmenere, just to name a few -- and the combination works. The 2009 Coyam is a juicy, full-bodied wine that exhibits fresh red and black fruit aromas, firm acidity and rounded, smooth tannins. 91 Robert Whitley Feb 7, 2012

Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere "Alka" 2003 ($65, Winesellers, Ltd.): Impressive more for balance and style than sheer concentration and power, this shows predominant notes of dark berries but also hints at plums, and this note almost leans toward the red fruit side of the spectrum. Tannins are fine in grain and unobtrusive, and seem drawn as much from wood as skins and seeds. Oak notes are notable but hardly overbearing, and the reserve shown in ageing contributes to the overall impression of elegance in a full, flavorful wine. 91 Michael Franz Oct 31, 2006

Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018 ($15):  Araucano is part of the international program of brothers Jacques and Francois Lurton whose father, Andre, is a Bordeaux icon.  Among many projects, the brothers started this Chilean venture in 1997.  Since 2012, all  Hacienda Araucano wines have been made with organically grown grapes.  With just a little airing, this Cabernet opens up to display deep dark fruit aromas, primarily blackberry but with an intriguing hint of mint.  Medium bodied, with a soft round texture, the flavors show lovely black fruit, a touch of eucalyptus and easy going velvety tannins.  Overall, the fruit is lively and the wine shows some subtlety which makes this an exceptional value.       
91 Norm Roby Jan 31, 2023

Koyle, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère Reserva 2009 ($20, Quintessential Wines):  The Koyle Carmenère underwent a warm maceration to extract more aroma and flavor, then 60% of the wine was aged in French oak and the remainder in stainless steel tanks, followed by the final blending.  This elaborate cellaring yielded lots of deep ruby coloring, forward cinnamon and vanilla scents mingled with ripe blackberry back notes.  The textured flavors are rich and fruity, anise and blackberry, 14% alcohol and a long layered finish with loads of fruit and no heat.
91 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 22, 2011

Koyle, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($17, Quintessential):  Despite all the current buzz about Argentina these (budget conscious) days, my sense is that once one gets up into the mid-teens, price-wise, the reds from Chile are actually more complex and interesting.  This is an excellent case in point, showing lots of muscle and very deeply-flavored fruit, but also a layered character with lots of nice little nuances including cocoa powder and garden herbs.  The ripening is moderate but the tannins are fully ripe, with no hint of harshness or astringency.  This is an excellent value. 91 Michael Franz Jul 20, 2010

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Lien” 2006 ($19, Global Vineyard Importers): I’ve been very impressed with every vintage of this wine that I’ve ever tasted, but this one may be the best release yet.  A blend of 42% Syrah, 30% Carmenère, 12% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec, it shows the complexity, texture and overall class of a much more expensive wine.  Dark berry notes are accented with subtle wood tinges, and the tannins are exceptionally fine-grained, permitting immediate enjoyment but also allowing ageing that will provide even more aromatic complexity.  Very impressive. 91 Michael Franz Sep 29, 2009

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($20, Global Vineyard Importers):  This is surely among the most serious renditions of Cabernet Sauvignon that you can buy in the USA for a suggested retail price of $20.  Whether it is also the “best” Cab you can buy for $20 is an entirely separate matter, as the old cliché is true that “there’s no accounting for taste.”  But to clue you in, what I mean by “serious” is that this tastes and texturally “feels” like Bordeaux from the late 1970s…which was still available to be tasted when I was starting to study wine.  It is all about dark, dark fruit tones — cassis and black currants — and no evidence of residual sugar (it is now pretty standard to leave about 3 grams per liter to buffer tannin and round out the finish of Cabernets, and not uncommon to leave more).  Add to this that there’s a notable aromatic note of dried herbs and a lightly “weedy” flavor tinge (which remains relatively common in Chile but is rarely evident except in the coolest years in Bordeaux), and you’ve got something like a “flashback” to a good vintage like 1975 from the Medoc or “Left Bank.”  In any case, likening a $20 wine to 1975 Bordeaux is very high praise for anyone who knows and loves those old wines — or who will learn to love them at first blush — but this is very distinctive Cabernet by current global standards.  The wine will benefit massively from pairing with robust food with some dietary fat, and either grilled lamb chops or braised lamb shanks come immediately to mind.     
91 Michael Franz May 3, 2022

Natura, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2010 ($11):  Carmenere, for those not familiar with this somewhat esoteric grape variety, was once common in the Bordeaux region of France, but was eventually abandoned because to thrive it needs more summer heat than Bordeaux typically provides. Chile, as it happened, had copious acres of Carmenere planted under the mistaken impression it was Merlot. But unlike true Merlot, the vines the Chileans thought were Merlot performed poorly in cooler regions and much better in warmer areas. DNA testing eventually outed the truth: What the Chileans thought was Merlot was actually Carmenere, and grown in the right areas it yields wines that are rich, robust and delicious. At the price, If this wine's not the steal of the century, it’s close. 91 Robert Whitley May 29, 2012

Primus, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 'The Blend' 2014 ($20):  The Blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (40 percent), Merlot (24), Carmenere (23) Petit Verdot (10) and Cabernet Franc (3).  The Cabernet dominates with notes of blackberry and cassis and the Merlot lends a gentle herbal note that conjures up comparisons to young Bordeaux.  On the palate the wine is elegant and well balanced, with smooth tannins and a long, lingering finish.  Exceptional value.
91 Robert Whitley Dec 19, 2017

Terra Noble, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere 'Costa CA 2' 2008 ($30, Winebow):  A superb wine whose juiciness and linear structure may remind you of good California Cabernet Franc.  The vines are planted in the granite soils of Chile’s Coastal Range, a terroir that seems to have just the right combination of cool and warm temperatures to thoroughly ripen the grapes without producing wine that’s too soft and spineless.  And of course skilled winemaking is also critical to achieving this happy equilibrium. 91 Marguerite Thomas May 10, 2011

Apaltagna, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Gran Reserva “Envero” 2007 ($15, Global Vineyard Importers):

This is a terrific bargain made from 90% Carmenère and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The fruit was sourced from the Apalta sub-district of Colchagua, and it shows the full ripeness necessary to show Carmenère at its best.  Ripe blackberry fruit notes are very appealing, with none of the green, weedy aromatics that can afflict less-than-fully ripened Carmenère.  Likewise, the fruit seems fresh and pure, whereas over-ripe Carmenère can taste soupy due to insufficient acidity.  A little whiff of wood around the edges provides some complexity, and this is a very attractive choice for pairing with robust meat dishes.  This is worth the $4 to trade up from this producer's 2007 Carmenère Reserva ($11), but if you can only find the Reserva, you should snap it up without hesitation.

90 Michael Franz Jan 27, 2009

Apaltagua, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère Reserva 2009 ($11, Global Vineyard Importers):  This was the clear winner in a recently-tasted lineup of 18 bottlings of Carmenère.  That it is darkly colored and packed with intense aromas and flavors almost goes without saying for those who know this grape variety, but much less expected is the elegance and freshness of the wine, which are not virtues normally associated with relatively affordable Carmenère.  The fruit recalls black plums and blackberries, with subtle accents of anise and espresso beans, and the finish is supple and lifted rather than harsh and astringent, which is all-too-often the case with wines of this type.  Very impressive stuff! 90 Michael Franz Feb 1, 2011

Arboleda, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2006 ($19, Frederick Wildman): Deep and dark, with herbal, stony notes in the bouquet, and earthy undertones supporting the ripe fruit on the palate, this is a delicious example of Carmenère, a varietal that too often tastes green and hollow.  When the grapes are picked at the right time, however, and the wine tended with appropriate care, the results can be gorgeous--as is the case here. 90 Paul Lukacs Sep 16, 2008

Arboleda, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2006 ($19, Frederick Wildman):

Gorgeous, deep violet color in the glass presents a mouth-watering visual that doesn't disappoint on the palate. Richly layered black fruits and spice, with overtones of oak vanillin that can't even begin to overpower the underlying fruit. This is an intense, beefy, complex wine for the money, and another example of the tremendous value to be found in Chilean reds from top producers.

90 Robert Whitley Oct 7, 2008

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2018 ($16, Global Vineyard Importers):  Usually when something seems too good to be true, it is.  But they are rare exceptions such as this Chilean Cabernet.  Packaged in a seriously heavy bottle with a deep push-up normally used for culty reds, this 2018 Cabernet Reserva is surprisingly good for the price.  Blended with 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine was aged for 9 months in neutral French oak.  Dark garnet in color, it offers concentrated ripe black fruit and a slightly weedy, green tea aroma.  The flavors are rich and spicy.  Generous and round on the palate, it has some tannins but can be enjoyed now for its direct, mouth-filling style.  Don't know why Calcu went with the expensive, overweight bottle, but I’m happy to have discovered the wine at a local shop on sale for $8.99.         
90 Norm Roby Dec 20, 2022

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva 2018 ($14, Global Vineyard Importers):  When it comes to quality red wines for the price, the smart money is on Chile. There are many wineries in the game, but Calcu is another one to consider based upon its recent vintages.  Calcu does offer high end, limited production wines, but this Cabernet Franc, much like the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, is hard to beat in the under $20 division.  It was aged in French barriques for one year, and displays pure varietal character without any of the green peppercorn, overly herbal notes that plague many Cab Francs.  Dark garnet, the wine opens quickly to offer ripe black fruit with pleasing notes of mint, spice and dried herbs.  Full-bodied, it is concentrated with flavors of tobacco, plum and spices.  In the finish, it has plenty of flesh and good structure with slightly briary tannins.  Best paired with beef and richly sauced main courses.    
90 Norm Roby Feb 7, 2023

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Reserva Especial" 2016 ($14):  I love Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, and regard the country as being (clearly) one of the world’s premier sources for this primo red variety.  That’s essentially because the wines tend to show such a strong location signature, with faintly leafy notes and cedar undertones and rarely any excess ripeness or overt residual sugar.  In brief, Chile offers the closest thing to Bordeaux outside of Bordeaux, but at much more attractive prices.  This is a remarkable case in point for $14, offering a level of complexity and class and varietal character that is virtually unobtainable from anywhere else.  It is really medium-bodied rather than being overly rich, and it finishes with dark berry and cassis fruit notes but no overt sweetness, and should accordingly be understood in contradistinction to Cabernets in this price category from California, Argentina or Australia.  It is vastly better than the norm in this price category from any of those three alternative locations, but you’ll need to try it for yourself to determine your personal preferences.  
90 Michael Franz Sep 3, 2019

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2008 ($14, Global Vineyard Importers):  A very fine rendition of Carménère at a great price.  This features black fruit notes supported by nuances of coffee, pepper, and soy.  Calcu is a consistently excellent producer, and you’d be well advised to try everything they make. 90 Michael Franz Mar 6, 2012

Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Merlot “Cuvée Alexandre” 2007 ($18, Marnier-Lapostolle):  This is a wine that reflects both conscientious winemaking and a blessed terroir.  A touch of Carmenère adds a note of spice and contributes structure to the Merlot’s generous cherry and chocolate character. Cuvée Alexandre combines the heft and exuberance of new world Merlot with the grace and control often associated with European wines. 90 Marguerite Thomas Mar 6, 2012

De Martino, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Syrah 2003 ($24, Global Vineyard Importers): A good value if not quite a steal, given the relatively low production costs enjoyed by producers in Chile, this is nevertheless an excellent wine. It shows vivid varietal character, with dark berry fruit that is packed with fresh, pure aroma and flavor, along with place-specific notes of cedar and superfine tannin that locate this firmly in Chile. Rich and very soft, it shows no over-ripe notes, and it is quite rare to find this level of concentration and depth in a wine that retains this much purity. 90 Michael Franz Mar 14, 2006

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère “Natura" 2008 ($11, Royal Imports):  This juicy, fruit-forward organically-grown Carmenère is blended with 15% Syrah that literally burst from the glass.  About 50% of the wine was aged in oak then back blended with the tank lot, giving the aromatics plenty of ripe raspberry notes.  The flavors are packed with soft fruit, spicy touches and supported by full tannins and finished with 14% alcohol.  This is a great value in a very drinkable fruity red wine. 90 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 17, 2009

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère - Cabernet Sauvignon "Novas" 2006 ($17, Royal Imports):

80% Carmenère, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, all organically grown, fermented in stainless steel then aged for 10 months in French and American oak barrels.  This is a lovely blend with rich texture, full fruit, refined tannins, 14% alcohol and good length through the finish.  Carmenère gives the wine rich texture and a berry and plum smoothness.

90 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 17, 2009

Estampa, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Syrah/ Cabernet/ Merlot “Assemblage Reserve” 2006 ($15, Vignobles LVDH USA): This classy Chilean blend clearly outperforms its price tag.  Multi-layered and deliciously nuanced, it offers opulent fruit flavors coupled with herbal, cedar-tinged undertones , and a finish enhanced by echoes of coffee and cocoa.  At a time when everyone is looking for value, this wine definitely delivers. 90 Paul Lukacs Apr 14, 2009

Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2013 ($12, Winesellers Ltd.): I almost hesitate to shower praise on relatively inexpensive Cabernet from Chile for fear of deepening the widespread assumption that inexpensive wines are all that Chile makes well (when in fact the country makes killer wines -- and Cabernets in particular -- at every price level from $10 to $100).  Still, this is just too good to keep to myself.  Showing amazing layered complexity for the money, it provides dark berry fruit with a whiff of dried herbs and a softly tannic finish.  This will be a star with burgers or any moderately robust dish based on red meat, and it would likewise work very well with pork or veal.
90 Michael Franz Feb 24, 2015

La Joya, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere Gran Reserva 2011 ($13, Prestige Wine & Spirits Group): I sampled this Carménère alongside a comparably priced and quite popular California Cabernet, and there was no doubt which was the superior wine.  The Californian tasted jammy and sickly sweet, while the Chilean offered secondary flavors resembling dried herbs and savory spice beneath its more dominant black fruit.  It was balanced and harmonious, unlike the Cabernet which had little if any structure.  Now these were just two wines out of thousands on the market, but the comparison supported something I’ve been saying for a number of years now:  If you want a value-priced Bordeaux varietal red wine, look to Chile first.
90 Paul Lukacs Aug 11, 2015

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018 ($20, Taub Family Selections):  Part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) portfolio, Los Vascos was founded in the late 1980s and now owns one of the largest vineyards in the Colchagua Valley.  It produces a wide range of red wines at various price points.  Among its Cabernets, this Reserva is an excellent value.  It opens with ripe plum and spice with a definite note of mint and crushed herbs.  Medium bodied, it has concentrated flavors of dark plums, dried herbs and some tobacco leaf.  Fairly sturdy tannins hold it together and suggest this can be enjoyed now and over the next 3 to 5 years.   
90 Norm Roby Mar 8, 2022

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2017 ($20, Global Vineyard Importers):  Although it benefits very significantly from aeration and should not be judged right after the cork is pulled, this is an excellent rendition of Carménère from Maquis.  It is a very good buy and an indisputably fine wine if decanted or otherwise aerated and then paired appropriately, which is to say, with foods containing some dietary fat (which need not be confining, as a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple bowl of macaroni and cheese stolen from a distracted child will do the trick).  Although Carménère is usually picked about two weeks later than Cabernet in Chile and needs to be, to get fully ripe, this bottling is actually less meaty and tannic than this excellent producer’s Cabernet from this vintage, and by a wide margin.  This shows the usual black fruit tones, but with some interesting and fresh red berry tones also, and there is a lot to like here.  The brain behind these wines is Ricardo Rivadeneira Hurtado, who is a reserved and modest gentleman but also an exceptional vintner, and if you travel to Chile, you’d be well advised to make an attempt to meet and speak with him.        
90 Michael Franz May 3, 2022

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2011 ($19, Global Vineyard Importers): This producer is among the most consistent in Chile in offering outstanding quality along with strong value in a price range that the country has yet to effectively secure.  Inexpensive wines from Chile are widely available and quite pleasant, just as “statement” wines from Chile are quite impressive, but outstanding offerings priced in the high teens are not so easy to find.  However, this Carménère shows all of the depth and punch that fans of this emerging variety expect, though without any of the green, harsh, or over-extracted characteristics that mar less-than-skillfully made renditions.  The predominant fruit note is blackberry, but there’s also an interesting red berry note, and the balance between fruit, tannin, oak and acidity is excellent.  Delicious now with food, but surely better still with a couple of years of cellaring.
90 Michael Franz Dec 10, 2013

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Lien" 2004 ($18, Global Vineyard Importers): A blend of 50% Syrah, 23% Carmenère, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec, this wine is wonderfully earthy and gutsy, with very good concentration and impressive depth of flavor.  There's a bit of wildness to it, by contrast to wines that are more 'polished' in style, and I loved this aspect of it, which would be perfect with grilled lamb. 90 Michael Franz Apr 29, 2008

MontGras, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon - Syrah 2009 ($15, Palm Bay International):  This delicious blend deliciously intertwines Syrah’s bright, juicy berry notes with Cabernet’s  more restrained dark cherry flavors.  Beautifully balanced in structural elements as well as aroma and flavor. 90 Michael Franz Feb 1, 2011

Novas, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère – Cabernet Sauvignon “Limited Selection” 2006 ($17, Royal Imports): This is a very promising wine that may ultimately surpass its stablemate Cab - Merlot from 2006.  It is rather tight and inexpressive aromatically when first opened, but there is plenty of intense, rich fruit on the palate, along with some wood and tannin that lends grip and definition to the finish.  Fruit notes recall blackberries and cassis, with an accent of anise.  The wine was clearly better after standing open for 24 hours, with no hint of oxidation, so this is a very good bet for cellaring. 90 Michael Franz Dec 2, 2008

Santa Carolina, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2008 ($10, Carolina Wine Brands):  Ninety-point Cabernet for ten bucks?  That's right--and if my score is off, I've missed on the low side.  Deep, dark and delicious, this shows lots of leafy, spicy complexities wrapped around a core of fruit recalling blackberries and black currants.  Expressive and distinctive while also being true to the variety and the place of origin, this is an astonishing value and a clearly excellent wine regardless of price. 90 Michael Franz Feb 1, 2011

Sincerity, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 ($17, Banfi Vintners): While I loathe the pretense of the name and imagine the remarkably ugly label is no magnet for consumers either, what matters most is what's inside the bottle and the 2003 Sincerity Merlot Cab blend is a beautifully structured red wine from Chile with ample power and complexity to satisfy even the most demanding enophile. The vineyards that produce this wine are biodynamic. Tremendous value. 90 Robert Whitley Sep 1, 2005

Veramonte, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Primus” 2006 ($20):  Primus is the flagship red wine of Veramonte, the Chilean winery established by Augustin Huneeus--a genius in the Chilean and American winery industry--in the 1990s.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Syrah (31%), Merlot (17%) and Carmenère, the 2006 Primus is lovely, as usual.  It has an uncommon--for the price--seamless combination of cassis and plum-like flavors with some herbal and spice notes thrown in.  Even with its emphasis on the fruit flavors, it’s not an overpowering wine, rather one with complexity and suaveness.  Supple tannins allow immediate enjoyment.  It’s a spectacular bargain at $20. 90 Michael Apstein Jan 25, 2011

Viu Manent, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere Reserva "Estate Collection" 2020 ($15, Grape Expectations):  Although Viu Manent’s higher end Carmenere named “Secreto” garners more critical attention, I like the way this Reserva comes across as ready to be enjoyed without fanfare.  It has Carmenere’s typical dark color and an aroma brimming with fresh raspberry and plum fruit.  Big and round on the palate, it offers up more raspberry dominated flavors that remain well into the aftertaste.  With its pleasing texture and subtle tannin, it is an easy to drink, uncomplicated red that presents itself as the perfect pizza companion.        
90 Norm Roby Mar 15, 2022

2 Brothers, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Big Tattoo Red" 2004 ($10): The two Bartholomaus brothers, Alex (a wine importer) and Erik (a tattoo artist), created this wine in honor of their mother, Liliana, who was felled by cancer in 2000.  Fifty cents from every bottle sold is donated to breast cancer related charities, with close to $900,000 already raised (to learn more about this project, visit www.bigtattoowines.com.)  Charity alone might be reason enough to buy the wine, but happily it's a worthwhile investment for another reason as well-namely, it tastes good!  A fifty/fifty blend of Cabernet and Syrah, it packs plenty of power without being aggressively tannic, and it offers a hefty dose of sweet blackberry and pomegranate fruit flavors.  It may not have great length or complexity, but Big Tattoo Red delivers an abundance of everyday sipping pleasure. 89 Marguerite Thomas Nov 28, 2006

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Merlot 2008 ($12, Global Vineyard Importers):  The Calcu line of wines is very good and extremely consistent, and this Merlot stands as a fine case in point.  Fruit notes of dark cherries and plums lead the way, accented with just a little whiff of oak to provide complexity around the edges.  Pure and thoroughly pleasant, this medium-bodied red is delicate enough to work well with a roast chicken but sufficiently substantial to pair with red meats.  
89 Michael Franz Sep 28, 2010

Casa Silva, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère Reserva 2008 ($12, Vin Divino):  This stylish Carménère balances ripe black fruit flavors with an alluring savory quality characteristic of the varietal.  The combination gives it delightful complexity, as opposed to a bombastic fruit bomb.  Fine tannins and a lengthy finish just make it that much more remarkable.  This fabulous buy should be widely available because they produce 35,000 case of it. 89 Michael Apstein Nov 9, 2010

Casa Silva, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère Reserva 2008 ($12, Vin Divino):  This stylish Carménère balances ripe black fruit flavors with an alluring savory quality characteristic of the varietal.  The combination gives it delightful complexity, as opposed to a bombastic fruit bomb.  Fine tannins and a lengthy finish just make it that much more remarkable.  This fabulous buy should be widely available because they produce 35,000 case of it. 89 Michael Apstein Oct 12, 2010

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2010 ($10):  An excellent value, this dark, full-bodied red tastes deep and rich, with a faintly herbal undertone, and a surprisingly long, layered finish.  It’s rare to find wines at this price point that offer so much character.  Earthy but at the same time full of fruit, it serves as a reminder that first-class wine need not cost a small fortune. 89 Paul Lukacs Jul 31, 2012

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir “Visión” 2010 ($15, Vineyard Brands):  Generally speaking, my advice regarding $15 Pinot Noir is, quite simply, don’t.  But this very tasty wine is a conspicuous exception to the rule, showing admirable delicacy and plenty of cherry fruit that is really true to the variety.  There’s just a little whiff of wood around the edges, leaving the supple fruit flavors right up front where they belong.  Perfect for a quick and affordable dinner with a roasted chicken. 89 Michael Franz Oct 30, 2012

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2012 ($11, Vineyard Brands): This fruit-focused Pinot Noir manages to avoid the sweetness trap so many fruit-focused wines fall into.  Subtle savory notes help balance the overt fruitiness found here.  Tannins, predictably, are polished to allow for immediate enjoyment.  What’s most startling is this kind of quality in Pinot Noir at this price.  My advice:  Buy it by the case.
89 Michael Apstein Oct 29, 2013

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Coyam” 2009 ($30, Royal Imports): An eclectic blend of Syrah, Merlot, Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Mourvédre, all biodynamically-grown, Coyam was tank fermented, went through malolactic then was aged for 14 months in French and American oak.  Complex aromatics of black fruits, mocha, roasted coffee and oak accents follow to the concentrated flavors, with layered fruit, refined tannins and 14.9% alcohol.  Coyam finishes with structure, length and a seamless line of fruit.  Coyam is a dense wine, showing some heat, that needs additional bottle-aging time. 89 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 17, 2009

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère "Natura" 2008 ($11, Banfi Imports):  This blend of Carménère and Syrah was tank fermented and then about half was aged in oak barrels.  It has a deep purple-ruby color, low intensity raspberry and vanilla aromatics, good texture, forward supple fruit, balanced tannins, 14% alcohol and a long dry fruity finish.  Natura Carménère is made from organically-grown grapes in the Los Robles area of the Colchagua Valley. 89 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère Reserva 2011 ($12, Winesellers, Ltd.): I really like everything about this wine but the packaging, and the juice on the inside is so damned good that I can’t manage to get very caught up in matters of appearance. With intense blackberry flavors and firm but ripe tannins, this shows a lot more punch than one expects in the price range, yet the wine is also quite impressively classy and layered in character, which is definitely a departure from most Carménère bottlings on this price tier. Impressive.
89 Michael Franz Feb 19, 2013

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($10, Pasternak Wine Imports):  As you’d expect from a wine in the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) portfolio, this Cabernet is refined, not in-your-face or over the top. Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) took over Los Vascos estate in 1988 and the wines have just gotten better and better.  The 2008 has a graceful balance of cassis-laden black fruit, cedar and spice.  Finely honed tannins provide structure.  It’s a great $10-Cabernet that delivers far more than the price suggests. 89 Michael Apstein May 17, 2011

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Reserve 2006 ($21, Pasternak Wine Imports): A Bordeaux-styled blend, made primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon with Carménère, Malbec, and Syrah added as complementary varieties, this is an elegantly-styled red.  It displays some of the herbal earthiness that characterizes fine Chilean Cabernet-based wines, but tempers those flavors with ripe fruit and a velvety, lush texture.  More restrained than many comparably-priced Chilean wines, it may not have the pizzazz of the very best examples, but is impressively balanced and harmonious. 89 Paul Lukacs May 26, 2009

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Cromas” Gran Reserva 2018 ($22, Taub Family Selections):  This Cromas Gran Reserva is the new name for Los Vascos’ mid-level Cabernet Sauvignon, below Le Dix in stature, but above their straight Cabernet.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with Syrah and Carménère, it’s ripe and plush.  Dark fruit flavors predominate, offset by a hint of savory ones.  Good acidity keeps the wine fresh and soft tannins allow for immediate consumption.      
89 Michael Apstein Apr 27, 2021

Luis Felipe Edwards, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2003 ($9, William Grant & Sons): This is an excellent rendition of Chile's fascinating Carménère grape at an amazingly low price. The aromas are very complex, with notes of crushed blackberries, licorice, dried herbs and road tar. Medium to full in body and intensely flavorful, it is nevertheless surprisingly sophisticated, with fine-grained tannins that lend backbone without drying the finish. An excellent value and a delicious wine regardless of price. 89 Michael Franz Feb 14, 2006

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Lien" 2003 ($15, Global Vineyard Importers): A blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Carmenere, 9% Petite Verdot and 6% Malbec, this is a complex, delicious drink that tastes like a wine costing well over $20. Full bodied but not heavy or plodding, it features aromatic notes of blackberries and cassis, with nice accents of licorice, spices and cedar. The tannins are appropriately abundant given the generous heft of the fruit, but they are ripe and soft, and will help this age gracefully without precluding near-term enjoyment. 89 Michael Franz Feb 28, 2006

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Lien, Red Blend 2010 ($30, Global Vineyard Importers): Rich, with layered complexity, this Chilean red blend shows off the ability of Chile's Colchagua Valley to produce wines with both power and grace. Complex layers of red and black fruits combined with supple, smooth tannins make this an inviting winter red at the price. Perhaps the oak is a bit too dominant, leading me to give this one a "drink now" nod while the fruit is still bright and fresh. 89 Robert Whitley Oct 28, 2014

Montes, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Alpha" 2010 ($18, T.G.I.C. Importers): Aurelio Montes was one of the pioneers of the premium wine industry in Chile when he and his partners founded the Montes winery in the late 1980s.  His dogged determination has helped draw the world’s attention to Chile as a source of upscale wines.  His 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon “Alpha” bottling conveys rich dark black fruit flavors entwined with smokey notes.  Quite polished and supple, it’s perfect for current consumption with grilled beef.  It delivers far more than the price suggests.
89 Michael Apstein Aug 13, 2013

Siegel Family Wines, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Reserva Red Blend 1234” 2017 ($12, Kysela Pere et Fils):  A bold, mouth-filling red blend from Chile, this wine is just the thing to serve with informal foods (burgers, pizza), but because it is well structured and has nicely balanced tannins it can hold its own with more upscale fare as well. Try it with hearty foods such as brisket or short ribs.  The name on the label refers to the four grapes in the blend: Syrah (50%), Carmenère (30%), Petit Verdot (10%) and Cabernet Franc (10%).  
89 Marguerite Thomas Oct 8, 2019

Terrapura, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2015 ($12, Quintessential Wines):  What this wine lacks in complexity it more than makes up for with unabashed flavor.  It tastes of dark fruit with just a hint of Chilean green, and offers a lot of bang for few bucks. 
89 Paul Lukacs Oct 16, 2018

Apaltagua, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($10, Global Vineyard Importers):

I'd venture to say that very few consumers who tasted this wine without knowing its identity or price would guess that it sold for less than $15, and at its actual price of $10, it offers very strong value.  Fruit notes akin to black cherries and blackberries are augmented by hints of dried herbs, tobacco leaf and cedar.  The tannins are very fine in grain and the ripeness and body are moderate, making this a good choice for moderately robust preparations of beef or lamb, but also for pork, veal or duck.

88 Michael Franz Jan 13, 2009

Axel, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Primero” 2002 ($30, Cabernet Corporation): A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% each Carmenère and Syrah, this wine tastes sumptuous and feels lush.  It is marked by primarily red fruit flavors, with a spicy, somewhat leathery undertone that ads interest and intrigue.  The only problem is tat it is very soft on the palate, suggesting that it should be drunk in the near term and won't benefit from cellaring. 88 Paul Lukacs Apr 3, 2007

Bisquertt, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “La Joya Reserve” 2011 ($10): This remarkable bargain shows dark fruit flavors with accents of cedar, spices and tobacco leaves.  Full of flavor but really only moderate in weight, it proves especially versatile at the table, standing up to beef or lamb dishes but also working well with less robust fare such as duck or veal. 88 Michael Franz Feb 26, 2013

Casillero del Diablo, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Legendary Collection” 2012 ($18, Excelsior Wine & Spirits): Here's a nice gift for the footballer in your life -- or soccer fan, as we say in the States, as it is designated, “Manchester United Autograph Label.”  It's an easy to drink Cabernet that brings blackberry, chocolate, mild spice and touches of menthol and pepper to the nose and the mouth, with a soft grip and a medium long finish.  Break out the grill and cheer on the team!  Contains 10% Carmenere.
88 Rich Cook Jan 6, 2015

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Natura" 2008 ($11, Royal Imports):

Blended with 15% Carmenère, this herbal-berry wine made from organically-grown grapes has a ripe berry nose with hints of dried herbs that follow through to the flavors.  More than 60% of the wine went straight from tank to bottle, allowing the herbal character to dominate.  Finished with 14% alcohol, the wine has full tannins and good length.

88 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 17, 2009

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère "Natura" 2010 ($11, Banfi Vintners):  I never know whether it’s the organically grown grapes or the extra attention the winegrower must give to the vineyard when farming organically that contributes to the quality of an organic wine.  Not that it matters.   Emiliana has brought it all together very nicely with this wine. It has some plumy red fruit, a whiff of savory leafiness and balancing acidity.  It’s a great buy. 88 Michael Apstein Jun 14, 2011

Emiliana, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Natura" 2008 ($11, Banfi Imports):  A small amount of Carmenere was blended in this Cabernet to soften the harder tannins and lift the fruit.  Approximately 40% of the wine was aged in small oak barrels.  The color is a deep purple-ruby and the closed-in nose hints at berry and mineral.  There are medium-full tannins and brisk acidity supporting the fruit-forward flavors and the wine finishes with 14% alcohol.  Like the Merlot, this Cabernet Sauvignon would benefit from more varietal character. 88 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

Los Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Calcu” 2007 ($13):

A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carménère, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this lovely bottling from Chile shows atypical freshness and vibrancy, but also real substance and depth of flavor.  The color is dark and dense, but the wine nevertheless shows a cool climate character, with a hint of bright acidity woven through the lead fruit note of blackberries.  The tannins are notable but quite fine in grain, and the oak influence is very subtle, leaving the lovely fruit clearly in the sensory foreground.

88 Michael Franz Nov 17, 2009

Montes, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Syrah "Alpha" 2004 ($23, TGIC Importers): The range of Syrah styles is vast. Here you'll find a nearly claret-style Syrah in the wine's structure, which is tight, oak-framed and lean. But the fruit character bears no resemblance to claret. It's far fruitier and more pronounced, with flavors of black and red fruits that are very concentrated and fresh. The wine contains 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 % Viognier. Age it about 2 to 5 years. 88 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Sep 12, 2006

Montgras, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère Reserva 2009 ($12, Palm Bay International):  Carménère is rapidly becoming Chile’s signature grape and wine.  Long confused with Merlot, once the winemakers realized it was not and that it needed extra time to ripen, they started making intriguing wines from it.  Montgras’ has a lovely array of leafy notes intertwined with fresh red fruit and a whiff of oak.  Remarkably complex, it’s a great buy.  Mild and supple tannins allow you to enjoy it now. 88 Michael Apstein Jul 20, 2010

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir "Vision" 2007 ($15, Vineyard Brands): Lower-priced Pinot Noir is generally dreadful stuff.  However, this wine is not only not marred by the chunky obviousness that mars so many affordable renditions, but actually shows real sophistication and delicacy.  Appropriately light fruit shows notes of dark cherries with a subtle strawberry undertone, and there's just a light dusting of oak to lend complexity to the finish. 87 Michael Franz Jul 8, 2008

LaPlaya, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Loud River Roaring Red" 2005 ($12, Cabernet Cooperation): Cabernet Sauvignon plays a minor role in this juicy blend to Carmenere and Petit Verdot.  Carmenere, one of Chile's more interesting reds, gives the blend lush fruit flavors, while Petit Verdot provides color and Cabernet Sauvignon backbone.  It's slightly closed, but with promising plumy aromas. The textured flavors show more blackberry, supported by big tannins.  There is some bitterness in the finish that should tone down with food. 87 Michael Franz Jun 26, 2007

Los Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Calcu” 2006 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers):

This wine offers a lot of flavor and class for the money--as is so often the case with wines from Chile.  A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Carménère, and 15% Cabernet Franc, the color is very dark and dense, with blackberry showing as the lead fruit note.  This is backed by an interesting streak of blueberry, along with anise and dried herbs.  Very little oak shows, but there's some bright acidity and gutsy tannins that firm up the finish.

87 Michael Franz Jul 29, 2008

MontGras, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère Reserva 2005 ($16, Palm Bay): Bad renditions of Carménère are pretty tough to take, with vegetal aromas and astringent tannins, but good renditions can offer a remarkable array of fireworks for the money.  This falls squarely into the latter camp, with interesting aromas of blackberries and licorice, followed by ripe, juicy fruit and a well-measured dose of tannin lending definition to the finish. 87 Michael Franz Mar 13, 2007

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2008 ($11, Vineyard Brands):  Carmenère, a variety formerly popular in Bordeaux, has found a new home in Chile, where it flourishes.  This mid-weight wine has an appealing spice and earthiness that acts as a good counterpoint to its ripe fruit profile.  It’s easy to enjoy with pizza. 86 Michael Apstein Jan 12, 2010

2 Brothers, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Syrah "Big Tattoo" 2003 ($10, Billington Imports): A delicious, fresh and fruity red that's perfect for summer barbecues, this wine offers uncomplicated fun. It's got sufficient stuffing to stand up to spicy food, and admirable depth of flavor. It's also priced attractively. As an added bonus, a percentage of every sale goes to cancer research. 85 Paul Lukacs Aug 7, 2005

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir “Visión” 2006 ($15, Vineyard Brands): This is a very solid Pinot at a price that no longer yields many solid Pinots.  Dark cherry fruit leads the way, with a very notable wild strawberry note running alongside.  The wine also shows some spicy oak with a little vanilla edge, and a bit of sweetness is effectively counterbalanced by a pleasant acidic tang. 84 Michael Franz Jan 1, 2008

MontGras, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère Reserva 2007 ($14, Palm Bay Imports): Like the proverbial little girl, when Carmenère is good, it's very, very good; but when it's not . . . well, it's not necessarily horrid, but it does taste green and vegetal.  That's the difficulty here.  The wine is well-balanced and shows plenty of plum-flavored fruit.  It also has a round, sumptuous texture.  But herbaceous notes do intrude and disrupt the enjoyment. 84 Paul Lukacs Jul 22, 2008

San Ellas, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($9, Kysela): One suspects that a lot of consumers are on the lookout for wines priced under $10, and this is one that is definitely worth seeking out.  It is sweet and soft but neither shallow nor gutless, and though it has no notable wood influence, there’s some depth of flavor to the dark cherry fruit and a bit of tannin to firm up the finish. 84 Michael Franz Jul 7, 2009

Errazuriz, Curicó (Chile) Merlot 2008 ($12, Vintus):  The current releases at the (currently crucial) entry-level from Errazuriz are as good as I’ve every seen them look, with terrific renditions of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay as well as this utterly convincing Merlot.  It shows lovely aromas and flavors of black cherries and ripe plums, as well as accents of cocoa powder, dried herbs and freshly ground coffee.  Medium-bodied but full of flavor, the tannins are ripe and soft, enabling this to stand up to serious meats without overwhelming more delicate ones.  Excellent! 90 Michael Franz Feb 9, 2010

Miguel Torres, Curicó Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vines "Manso de Velasco" 2013 ($54, Miguel Torres USA):  Named for Manso de Velasco, the Governor of Chile during colonial times and the founder of the city of Curicó, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes exclusively from 100-plus year-old vines grown on the estate of the same name.  The wine is, in a word, delicious.  Since the 2013 is the current release, Torres must hold the wine back until it has sufficient age to let its glory show.  And it does.  It’s beautifully textured with suave tannins that gracefully support its power and highlight its elegance.  It’s a big wine, to be sure, but not boisterous or flamboyant. Indeed, it’s quite graceful, combining layers of black fruit and savory nuances with a hint of smokey notes.  And its 13.5 percent stated-alcohol is a reminder that super ripe grapes are necessary for a wine of this stature.  It’s an ideal choice for current consumption with grilled meat, though I suspect it will continue to develop gracefully for another decade given its impeccable balance.  What’s curious is the contradiction between Torres’ well-known commitment to the environment and this ridiculously heavy empty bottle.  At 2.4 pounds, it’s twice as heavy as an empty bottle of the 1982 Mouton-Rothschild.  When will the marketing teams figure out that they may be turning off as many customers as they think they are impressing with bottles better suited for weight training than for wine.     
96 Michael Apstein Mar 16, 2021

Tutunjian, Curicó Valley (Valle Centrale, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard, Estate Grown 2015 ($17):  The oversized bottle suggests this will be an oversized wine.  But it’s not.  Rather, mineral-y, savory flavors balance its ripe fruitiness.  A suave texture adds to its appeal.  Wonderful acidity keeps it fresh and amplifies its charms.  A hint of sweetness appears in the finish.  In short, it’s a New World-styled wine with freshness. And a great value! 
93 Michael Apstein Oct 15, 2019

Concha Y Toro, D.O Puente Alto (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard “Don Melchor” 2015 ($120):  I loved the 2014 vintage, and this wine takes the baton without missing a step.  Tightly wound at present, but showing all the stuffing for long term cellaring.  Enrique Tirado calls this vintage “one of the best I have ever made” and I’ll not dispute him.  It doesn’t shy away from the herbaceous side of the variety, and that character puts intriguing tension on the fruit that keeps your interest to the bottom of the glass.  Cellar trophy material from this region. 
95 Rich Cook Jan 29, 2019

Concha Y Toro, D.O. Peumo (Chile) Carmenere Ribera del Cachapoal “Serie Riberas", Gran Reserva 2016 ($17, Excelsior):  A nose that is one of the great announcements of location in the wine world lets you know what you’re dealing with right off, with lively green pepper joined by red and black fruit.  On the palate, the pepper is reined in so much so that it presents as pleasant white and black pepper that complement the fruit and are seated in the mouth by a properly chalky tannic structure.  The finish will keep you coming back for more -- as will the price. 90 Rich Cook Apr 17, 2018

Viñedos del Alcohuaz, Elqui Valley DO (Chile) Syrah “Tococo” 2015 ($42, European Cellars LLC):  The world of Syrah is wide-ranging.  In France, the Northern Rhône region is the mecca for Syrah.  However, many “New World” regions (California, South Africa, Australia, and Washington State) have shown great proficiency with the grape variety.  Make sure to also add Chile to the list, as Chile is starting to prove that it can produce outstanding wines from Syrah.  This is perfectly demonstrated in the Viñedos de Alcohuaz Tococo Syrah, displaying the distinct dusty mineral character and tension of a Northern Rhône Syrah.  This an irresistible wine that is powerful but elegant and speaks of grape and place.  It offers scents of blueberry and blackcurrant, flinty crushed granite, and spice box seasoning. It exhibits delicious fresh acidity and well-defined tannins that linger on the finish.     
93 Miranda Franco Nov 3, 2020

Siegel, Leyda Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir Special Reserve 2015 ($16, Kysela Pere et Fils): Brick red, bold, and brimming with gutsy aromas and flavor, this inexpensive Chilean Pinot also shows refinement and balance.  Look for gradations of dried herbs and wildflowers, plus cherry and cranberry nudged along by a faint hint of orange peel.  Another plus is that there’s no excess sweetness or oak to distract from the wine’s essential sunny flavors.
90 Marguerite Thomas Jan 10, 2017

Leyda, Leyda Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 'Classic' 2010 ($12, Winebow):  Chile seems to be a good place these days to look for well made Pinot Noir at an attractive price.  The Leyda Valley, located in a cool region overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most promising new grape growing sites for Pinot. The vineyards are still quite young, but this wine has ample amounts of fresh and bright fruit flavors, followed by a whispered postscript of almost imperceptible tannin. 89 Marguerite Thomas May 10, 2011

Montes, Leyda Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Vineyard 2006 ($16, TGIC Imports): This well-balanced Sauvignon is from a relatively new growing region that Aurelio Montes has led the charge to explore. This relatively cool area produces Sauvignon Blanc that is on the lean side, with firm acid and aromas of grapefruit citrus, herbal notes and a flinty minerality that is quite attractive. 89 Robert Whitley Feb 13, 2007

Undurraga, Limari Valley (Chile) "T.H." 2007 ($24, Undurraga Wines USA): Beautifully balanced, this wine offers all of Syrah’s New World fleshy fruit character, but supports it with herbal, earthy echoes that provide intrigue and interest.  Those secondary aromas and flavors, while reminiscent of French Rhône Valley wines, seem distinctly Chilean, as they have a green, herbal edge (much like many Chilean Cabernets).  As a result, the wine tastes distinctive rather than derivative.  It’s as fine a Chilean Syrah as I’ve yet had the pleasure to taste, and it puts most American renditions in its price range to shame. 92 Paul Lukacs Jul 28, 2009

Concha y Toro, Limari Valley (Chile) Chardonnay "“Casillero del Diablo”" 2010 ($12, Excelsior):  Impressively long and multi-layered on the palate, this very affordable Chardonnay outperforms many wines costing twice as much.  Its charm is its bright citrus-tinged fruit flavors which are enhanced by just a hint of butter or vanilla, and its admirable finish--something rarely found in wines at this price level. 89 Paul Lukacs Jul 5, 2011

Tamaya, Limari Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2008 ($12, Ecovalley):  A delicious rendering of Carmenere, this shows lots of intense blackberry fruit with undertones of licorice and dried herbs.  Very intense but not overblown or overbearing, this will stand up to just about any food that you can throw at it, yet it is so well made that it will be quite pleasant for sipping with simple finger foods for those who wish to drink it this way. 88 Michael Franz Mar 16, 2010

François Lurton / Hacienda Araucano, Lolol Valley (Chile) “Clos de Lolol” 2013 ($19, Winesellers Ltd.):  This luscious red blend has light hints of that mouthwatering green herbal aroma that characterizes many of Chile’s outstanding red wines.  There are also plenty of fruity nuances in the beguiling perfume as well as in the rich amalgam of flavors.  Big and sturdy without being overtly sweet, this is a wine that will please any red wine lover.  Comprised of 35% Syrah, 25% Carmenère, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. 
92 Marguerite Thomas Jan 23, 2018

Villalobos, Lolol, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère "Lobo" Limited Edition 2018 ($25, Fruit of the Vines):  Carménère is the forgotten grape of Bordeaux.  While it still grows there in small quantities, it has found a comfortable home in Chile’s warm valleys.  The 2018 Lobo Carménère from Colchagua Valley offers a finessed expression of Chilean Carménère with beautifully modulated fruit notes recalling cherry and blackberry, herbs, spice, and pepper that finishes with a delicate bittersweet note.  It is an irresistible wine with vibrant acidity and smooth tannins.           
92 Miranda Franco Mar 9, 2021

Marques de Casa Concha, Maipo (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($25, Excelsior Wines):  A solid value leader in its range, with true-to-type Cabernet Sauvignon aromas and flavors, warming oak spice, pepper and a bright acid kick in the finish that keeps you coming back.  Try this wine with grilled meats or eggplant parmesan. 
91 Rich Cook Nov 6, 2018

Domus Aurea, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($75, Global Vineyard Importers):  I have loved every vintage of this wine that I’ve ever tasted, and though that’s quite an inclusive set, this may be the best of them all.  It is exceptional in its purity and classiness, and its fine-ness of texture is something to marvel at, as is the harmoniousness of all its aromatic and flavor elements.  It isn’t as flamboyant and un-tamed as the 2014, which is a spectacular example of Maipo Valley Cab that’s all about minty, cedar-y fireworks, but this 2018 shows those same notes in a toned-down manner that lets other nuances show themselves to compose a more intricate overall impression.  Don’t get me wrong on account of descriptors referencing intricacy and nuance, as there’s plenty of sneaky power in this wine, as shown from the outset by its appearance:  It is darkly pigmented to the very edge of a tipped glass, and shows excellent density and palate weight.  Yet there’s nothing “heavy” or overblown about the wine at all, and even at this early stage in its development, it is a model of natural-seeming, un-manipulated completeness and beauty.  Sure, you should get superb wine for $75, which is no small fee.  But to be clear, this is a great wine, and certainly among the best five I’ve tasted in 2022 — out of more than 3,000.       
97 Michael Franz May 3, 2022

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Santa Rita Old Vines Vineyard 2005 ($100, “Casa Real”): This flagship wine from Chile's Santa Rita deserves the attention of anyone who loves great wine--including (or perhaps especially) those who are sufficiently flush with funds to buy only classified growth Bordeaux or cult wines from Napa.  It shows all the hallmarks of the top wines from anywhere in the world, including very expressive and complex aromas, impressive depth of flavor, and a seamless integration of fruit, wood and tannin.  On top of this, it is quite recognizably a wine from Chile's Maipo Valley (clearly one of the world's great Cabernet terroirs), thanks to very fine-grained tannins and aromatic notes of cedar and autumn leaves.  The finish is long and gracefully symmetrical, with all of the flavors tailing off slowly in the same prominence relative to one another that they show when the one first hits one's tongue.  An indisputably superb wine. 96 Michael Franz Mar 10, 2009

Antiyal, Maipo Valley (Chile) “Antiyal” 2012 ($75, Global Vineyard Importers): I believe I’ve tasted every vintage of this terrific wine that’s ever been made, and I cannot recall another vintage that was any better than this one at a comparable stage of development.  Made by the highly respected Alvaro Espinoza, this is comprised of 56% Carmenère, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Syrah.  The fruit was ripened to perfection, which is to say that it provides a plush impression of purity and sweetness while still showing a structured capacity for improvement over time.  Although 70% of the French barriques used in its elevage were new and the remaining portion only one year old, I’d defy anyone to guess that fact without knowing the technical wine-making details, as the marvelous juice has already soaked up all overt wood notes, and shows only the most subtle accents of spices and smoke around the edges.  Generous in both aroma and flavor, with texture that is very soft but still adequately defined, this is one of those rare wines that will be delicious at every stage of its useful life, which will extend for at least a full decade from now.
95 Michael Franz Nov 24, 2015

Concha y Toro, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto "Don Melchor" 2003 ($47, Excelsior): Concha y Toro, certainly one of Chile's foremost wine producers, has modified the style of Don Melchor, their flagship Cabernet, ever so slightly over the years. The 2003 -- just a touch riper and fleshier than past versions -- retains the signature attractive earthy, herbal character of great Chilean Cabernet. Its engaging suppleness makes it delicious now, but its fine tannins coupled with sufficient acidity indicate a long and healthy future. 95 Michael Apstein Sep 5, 2006

Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) LOTA 2004 ($60, Billington Imports): For Arturo Cousino, president of Cousino-Macul, LOTA is the culmination of a plan that took more than 10 years to realize.  Winemakers Matias Rivera and Pascal Marty hand-selected Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from special plots in the Alto-Maipo vineyards of Macul and Buin, tank fermented the separate lots, performed extended post-fermentation macerations, blended and then aged the wine 13 months of French oak.  The result is a wine that is both lovely to look at as well as drink.  The color is deep and inky with violet edges, while the complex nose shows dark coffee and mocha, pepper and blackberry.  On the palate the wine is bursting with fresh berry flavors, firm refined tannins and the sense of dark chocolate that is more a textural sensation than a flavor nuance. This is an elegant Bordeaux-style blend that speaks volumes of the potential of top-end Chilean red wines. 95 Gerald D. Boyd Dec 12, 2006

Alba de Domus, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($40, Global Vineyard Importers):  I wish that I had been able to taste this wine from the 2018 vintage to better compare it to the releases from that same vintage of Peñalolen and Domus Aurea, but beggars can’t be choosers, and every release of Alba de Domus and Domus Aurea is worth begging for.  This is a notably classier, cleaner wine then the 2018 Peñalolen, but it is also more domesticated and less exotic, so you should certainly try both of you can find them.  But considering this in its own right, it is spectacular Cabernet for $40, and a threat to examples costing much more, with marvelous texture that is simultaneously structured and smooth, with ultra-fine tannins and beautifully integrated wood.  The fruit, acidity, oak and tannin are all so beautifully proportioned that the wine is harmonious at every point from the first sip to the last sensation from the long, long finish.  This was still fantastic when re-tasted after 24 hours, and though that suggests that it will age nicely, it is so delicious now that few bottles will survive for long after a first bottle is tasted.        
94 Michael Franz May 3, 2022

Alba de Domus by Domus Aurea, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($43, Global Vineyard Importers):  This is one of the world’s most deliciously distinctive renditions of Cabernet Sauvignon (which is saying a lot, as Cabernet is planted virtually everywhere in the world where the climate enables vintners to ripen this supremely noble variety).  On top of that, it isn’t even the producer’s top wine, but rather a “second wine” of some vineyard plots and barrels selected out of Domus Aurea, the “Grand Vin” from this amazing property, known fully as “Viña Quebrada de Macul.”  This wine is the most unbridled and unadulterated expression of classic Upper Maipo Cab that remains in existence, with all the eucalyptus and cedar and salty minerality evident in this bottling, as some of the more “outlandish” plots and barrels are pulled into this, especially in recent years as Domus Aurea is made a little less outlandish to show its greatness alongside more famous wines like Don Melchior from Concha y Toro (that cost much more but are no better on average).  The 2018 vintage is fabulous, with really only medium-plus body and weight but overwhelming aromatic and flavor complexity.  Every sniff and sip brings forth additional detail, and all of them are eerily proportional and harmonious despite the wine’s extraordinary intricacy.  This vintage is just arriving in the country, but once it becomes available, you’ll be able to acquire it directly from GVI Wines if you’re in a direct shipping state.  I’ve scored it conservatively because it is such a personal favorite, though I’m aware that not everyone will be equally enthusiastic (which is the natural result when a wine is overloaded with site-specific individuality).  Let us all pray that the owners never sell this site to a condo developer; it is virtually surrounded as things stand, and an urban viticultural miracle.          
94 Michael Franz Nov 1, 2022

Antiyal, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2010 ($65, Global Vineyard Importers):  This wine is consistently outstanding, but I cannot recall a better rendition than this one from 2010.  Crafted from 47% Carmenère, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Syrah, it shows a notably Chilean character with whiffs of cedar and dried herbs on the nose, but backs those up with deep, rich, flavors that prove extremely satisfying without every turning ponderous or heavy.  Notable acidity lends inner energy and drive to the wine, which is very tastefully oaked.  Already terrific, this will only get better for at least another five years. 94 Michael Franz Nov 27, 2012

Antiyal, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2011 ($60, Global Vineyard Importers): This beautiful blend is one of my favorite reds from Chile in virtually every vintage, and 2011 proves no exception to that rule.  The composition is 56% Carmenere, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Syrah.  Seeing that breakdown might lead you to anticipate a broodingly backward wine with forbidding structure, but the wine is in fact delightfully open and expressive.  It features delicious fruit with both red and black berry notes, along with subtle accents of violets, Asian spices, cedar and woodsmoke.  Although it is temptingly tasty now, you’d be well advised to cellar this for another few years to let the aromatics become even more intricate.
94 Michael Franz Jan 14, 2014

Concha y Toro, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Marques de Casa Concha” 2019 ($23):  The Maipo Valley wine region in Chile is known for producing well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon wines like this one from Marques de Casa Concha.   It has a deep, dark black ruby color, and aromas of black currant, blackberry and plum.  The ripe, black fruit flavors are generous, while the unruffled tannins maintain the structure, which will allow this wine to develop in the bottle for many years.   The wine’s name is in honor of a title bestowed upon Melchor Concha y Toro in 1976 when he became the seventh Marquis of Casa Concha.         
94 Rebecca Murphy Dec 6, 2022

Quebrada de Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Alba de Domus” 2015 ($45, Global Vineyard Importers):  This extraordinary, characterful wine is technically the “Second Wine” of Domus Aurea, which is among my five favorite wines from Chile, and thereby among my favorite wines from anywhere.  A caveat is in order immediately, as this definitely doesn’t taste like a “Second Wine,” and if its particular character appeals to you, you’ll have trouble believing that it has a higher-ranked stablemate.  Another caveat is next in order regarding the wine’s “particular character,” as you’d need to enjoy aromatic notes of eucalyptus or mint to appreciate this, which perhaps you do, based on some other Cabernets from Chile’s Maipo Valley, or various locations in Australia, or some of the Joseph Phelps “Insignia” blends or Backus Vineyard Cabernets from the late 1980’s and early 1990s.  Speaking first for myself, I definitely love wines in this style, and so too does my wife, who is a big-shot food journalist who can always identify wines from this vineyard within the city limits of Santiago sight-unseen, just by dint of me waving a glass under her nose.  If this seems like an in-bred household opinion, I’d also note that WRO contributor Paul Lukacs also adores wines in this style, though he and I learned in our former restaurant consulting business that—not everyone shares our opinion.  To that, I reply:  Fine, enjoy your Cabernet that tastes like it could come from anywhere, leaving more for me of this and the Domus Aurea, which are among the most site-specific Cabernet wines in the world.  Medium-plus in body, with notable but soft tannins and already-integrated oak that really lets this express its growing site at this stage in its development, the wine is intensely expressive in aroma and nearly as assertive in flavor, with eucalyptus notes in the lead but followed by suggestions of dried herbs, cedar, ripe fruit with both red and black tones, and spicy undertones.  Still fresh with primary fruit notes but already showing tertiary characters from bottle bouquet, this is almost unbelievably complex for a current release wine, though most Cabs from Chile from the 2015 vintage were released years ago.  And while you’re at it, raise your sights and look for Domus Aurea.  I’ve loved that flagship wine for years, and yet, in my hotel room after tasting at the winery for the first time during August of 2019, I went online and purchased every bottle of the 2014 Domus Aurea that I could find at a reasonable price in the USA.           
94 Michael Franz Feb 23, 2021

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) "Casa Real" 2010 ($82, Palm Bay International): The grapes -- entirely Cabernet Sauvignon -- for Casa Real, the flagship wine from Santa Rita, come from their vineyard surrounding their home estate in the Maipo Valley, one of the best regions in Chile for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.  Santa Rita first produced Casa Real in 1989 when it was abundantly clear to them that the grapes from this vineyard were distinct and made a unique wine.  Always focused on quality and distinctiveness, Santa Rita opted not to make Casa Real in 1999, 2000 and 2006 because they perceived quality to be lacking.  Well, quality’s not lacking in the 2010.  It shows a happy marriage of the fruity qualities associated with New World wines and the structure finesse prized in Old World wines.  Young and vigorous, but beautifully balanced, the 2010 Casa Real needs a minimum of another two or three years in the cellar, judging from how the show-stopping 2008 is developing.  The balance and harmony of the 2010 Casa Real suggests that it will develop intriguing complexity and finesse with at least decade more of age, similar to the positively gorgeous 1997 Casa Real I had recently.  Casa Real, like other great wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, is meant for at least a decade cellaring to allow it to evolve -- almost magically -- from fruity flavors to earthy leathery ones.
94 Michael Apstein Nov 4, 2014

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 'Casa Real' 2010 ($85): Santa Rita is well known for its value wines from Chile. The best-kept secret about Santa Rita, however, is that its top of the line red is a blockbuster Cabernet from the Maipo Valley that can compete with the finest wines made anywhere in the world. The 2010 Casa Real is a stunning example with its intensely floral nose, layered black fruits on the palate, and supple tannins. This powerhouse isn't cheap, but brilliance in wine often isn't. 94 Robert Whitley Feb 24, 2015

Echeverria Family Wines, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Limited Edition" 2016 ($25, T. Edward Wines):  Buying a wine with a hefty price tag is a transaction that needs to be justified only by the buyer, and wine writers should not wring their hands that “it’s not worth it.”  To whom?  However, a wine of this quality at this price should be of great interest to those who generally enjoy a similar taste profile in higher-priced wines.  It is a wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (about 85%), Syrah (10%) and Carménère (5%) that has various flavor strands that don’t compete but blend on the palate – rich, dark-berry and plum flavors meet with dusty, unsweetened chocolate and finally with green herbs that, re-tasted the following day, delightfully remind of Oakville eucalyptus.  The latter characteristic may be interpreted by some as a “flaw,” so they should not purchase it.  Additionally, the Cabernet/Syrah combination seems to be one that winemakers in Cabernet regions have insufficiently explored outside of Australia and to some extent, legally and illegally, in Bordeaux.    
93 Roger Morris Apr 5, 2022

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Medalla Real” 2006 ($20, Palm Bay Imports): This wine, along with the Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet (also from Chile's Maipo Valley), gets my vote for the world's best Cabernet at $20.  It is full of flavor but also full of distinctiveness and class, which is a very rare feat in this price category.  Dark and dense, it delivers very satisfying richness and depth of fruit, but never veers toward the over-ripe or over-blown side of the spectrum.  Soft in mouthfeel but still very nicely structured with ripe tannin and subtly spicy oak, it also shows nice nuances of cedar, carpaccio, and dried herbs that lend complexity to the delicious core of dark-toned fruit. 93 Michael Franz Mar 3, 2009

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Syrah “Floresta” 2004 ($45, Palm Bay): A luscious Syrah that merits special kudos because it tastes so distinctive.  There is rich fruit reminiscent of high quality Aussie Shiraz, and plenty of spicy pepper notes that echo Syrahs from the Northern Rhône, but there's also a distinctive dusty note that seems characteristically Chilean.  None of that would matter much if the wine didn't taste good, but in fact it tastes fantastic, as it exhibits enticing flavors and near perfect balance. 93 Paul Lukacs Oct 9, 2007

Apaltagua, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Signature” 2008 ($30, Global Vintage Importers):  You can probably get more Cabernet for $30 from Chile than from anyplace in the world these days, and this wine is a great case in point.  Very concentrated and intense, it shows dark, dense pigmentation and backs it up with deep flavors of blackberry and black cherry.  Aromatic accents of cedar, cocoa powder and vanilla are very appealing.  The oak and tannins are firm but there’s plenty of fruit to counterbalance them, so the wine isn’t astringent, and the finish is generous rather than hard.  92 Michael Franz Nov 16, 2010

Cono Sur, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Pirque Viejo Estate "20 Barrels" 2010 ($24, Vineyard Brands): Cono Sur has done it again with their top-of-the-line, “20 Barrels” bottling.  Their 20 Barrels Pinot Noir (previously reviewed) was excellent.  This Cabernet Sauvignon shows they’ve mastered more than just one variety.  Not a massive wine, it’s pure Cabernet delight with a seamless interplay of fruit, herbs and savory notes.  The polished tannins are appropriately firm, not astringent or aggressive, providing real structure.  The balance of fruit and non-fruit flavors is ideal.  And you have to love a winery whose top-of-the-line bottling is $24.  Now if they’d only ditch the heavy bottle, which is the antithesis of the wine’s style.  Don’t miss this bargain.
92 Michael Apstein Nov 5, 2013

Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) "Finis Terrae" 2004 ($20, Billington Wines): Cousino-Macul is on everyone's short list of Chile's best wineries.  Finis Terrae, their flagship wine, is an exceptional value.  A blend of roughly 50-50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in their vineyards, the 2004 has the uncommon ability to harmonize the ripeness emblematic of the New World and the elegance and complexity prized in classical Old World wines.  Supple tannins give it structure without aggressiveness and mean you needn't cellar it to enjoy it. 92 Michael Apstein Jan 9, 2007

Miguel Torres, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Cordillera de los Andes" Reserva Especial 2017 ($22, Miguel Torres USA):  Miguel Torres has vineyards throughout Chile to match grapes with areas particularly well suited to them.  The grapes for this one come from the Maipo Valley, an area renown for top Cabernet Sauvignon.   Very aromatic, this Cabernet has good weight and delivers a mix of dark black fruit interspersed with spicy savory notes.  Reticent at first, this youthful wine expands after a half hour in the glass. It finishes with a delightful trace of bitterness in the finish.  The 2017 was far more complete and better integrated compared to the 2018 when tasted side-by-side, which suggests, unsurprisingly for a wine of this pedigree, that a little bottle age is essential.  That said, it is delicious now with grilled beef.     
92 Michael Apstein Mar 16, 2021

Peñalolen, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($20, Global Vineyard Importers):  This is the richest, most dramatic rendition of this wine that I can recall, and I can recall lots of them, as I’m fortunate to taste this wine in almost every vintage.  The ownership behind this is the same as Domus Aurea, which is on my short list of favorite Cabernet-based wines from anywhere — not just Chile.  That is a conceivably important fact, as there’s a sense in which this is likely the “third wine” of a trio if you think about this in relation to the top wines of Bordeaux, with Domus Aurea being the “Grand Vin,” and Alba de Domus being the “Super Second,” to adopt terms by analogy that are familiar to great estates from the Medoc.  Working with wines on “tiers” like this offers many advantages to producers and consumers alike.  For the producer, it permits assembling the “upper tier” wines by including vineyard plots — and later, barrels of finished wine — that suit the winemaker’s intended style, especially for the top wine.  The second wine can still be very, very good but notably less expensive, and the “third wine” can sometimes be a fabulous bargain that offers a taste of a great growing site at an extremely reasonable price.  This last description fits the 2018 Peñalolen perfectly.  This release is unusually rich and concentrated, which is no doubt partly a function of the growing season, but my educated guess is that the wine also benefits from inclusion of some of the more “minty”-seeming barrels that were not included in Domus Aurea or Alba de Domus.  The main vineyard behind these wines has always shown some eucalyptus characters along with other notes associated with Maipo Valley wines close to (or even within) Santiago, and these seem toned down in the 2018 Domus Aurea, but tuned up in this $20 wine.  That’s fine with me in both cases, as I don’t dislike these minty notes, though some expert tasters do.  Some famous wines such as “Don Melchior” from Concha y Toro and “Insignia” from Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa were both re-styled years ago to minimize eucalyptus notes that were once quite prominent in them, and something similar may be going on here, under the ownership of Ricardo and Isabel Peña.  I’ll do some checking on that, and may well circle back to write more about these wines in a blog or a column after learning more about current plans (I haven’t been to the winery since July of 2019).  For now, you should seek this out, try a bottle, and then load up if you like it as much as I do — which is very much.  It is dark and deeply flavored and extremely expressive in both aroma and flavor, and also impressive in potential, as it was essentially uncompromised by the trial of being left uncorked and unrefrigerated for a full 24 hours — but then still tasting just as good on a second evening.  The bottom line?  You’ve surely heard of “grand theft auto,” and at $20, this is Grand Theft Vino, so act accordingly.       
92 Michael Franz Nov 1, 2022

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Medalla Real” 2004 ($19, Palm Bay): Santa Rita's Medalla Real is, in its top vintages, a spectacular over-achiever and an amazing value, and this rendition surely fits that bill.  With a core of blackberry and black cherry fruit that is fully ripe but still bright and not at all chunky and sweet (as is distressingly true of many reds from over the mountains in Argentina), this is a winner even before you get to the accent notes of tobacco leaf, cedar, spices, and graphite. 92 Michael Franz Jun 12, 2007

Ventisquero, Maipo Valley (Chile) Carménère “Grey” 2007 ($25, Austral Wines LLC):  An exciting, intriguing wine, marked by a distinct herbal streak that enhances its core of dark fruit flavor, this Carménère demonstrates why this particular varietal in Chilean vineyards has so much promise.  Some Carménerès seem overly vegetal; others taste non-descript.  This one is truly distinctive, evidencing a flavor profile that resembles high-class red Bordeaux but has a character all its own. 92 Paul Lukacs Nov 16, 2010

Viña Pargua, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2007 ($20, Global Vintage Importers):  If you can scrape together $20 for a bottle of medium- to full-bodied red wine, your best bet for getting a genuinely complex and interesting bottle these days would be to purchase one from Chile, which is outperforming even Argentina and Spain at this price level.  This blend of 30% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Carmenère is rich and deeply flavored but only moderate in ripeness, with a freshness and aromatic sophistication that reflects some tasteful decisions when picking and macerating the fruit.  The balance of fruit, tannin and wood is beyond reproach, and though the wine is already very convincing, it will certainly improve for another couple of years. 92 Michael Franz Sep 7, 2010

Viña Peñalolen, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown 2017 ($20, Global Vineyard Importers):  Chile’s Maipo Valley makes some of the world’s most distinctive and outstanding Cabernets, and this is one of them in both respects.  Thankfully, it is priced at a level enabling you to experience it to decide if its distinctiveness accords with your personal preferences.  Speaking only for myself (obviously), I adore the wine and its ultra-expressive character, which expresses something closely akin to Domus Aurea, one of my favorite wines in the world.  This isn’t exactly a surprise, as it was made by Jean Pascal Lacaze, winemaker for Domus Aurea.  The wine shows wonderfully, deliciously ripe fruit, but the key elements are the aromatic topnotes of cedar and eucalyptus, as well as the finish, which is all about saline mineral undertow.  The combination of these facets keeps this supremely interesting from stem to stern, with an enduring sense of interplay between the fruit and non-fruit elements that changes as the wine opens, but never lets up.  To be clear, this is no substitute for a splurge experience of Domus Aurea (or the lesser splurge, money-wise of the terrific 2nd wine, Alba de Domus).  Its aromas and flavors aren’t as precise and intricate.  But it is a very, very good wine at an exceptionally attractive price, and I know of no wine near this price level that tastes like this.  It is a thing unto itself (for you Kant lovers), and after your first sniff and taste, you’ll know whether you’ll be buying this by that case for years on end or giving your first bottle to the neighbors.  Oh, if only there could be more wines as individuated as this one.     
92 Michael Franz Aug 31, 2021

Antiyal, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2009 ($65, Global Vineyard Importers):  This blend is the product of a small family-owned winery of one of Chile’s top winemaking talents, Alvaro Espinoza.  Made from 41% Carmenère, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Syrah, it is big and ripe and very soft in texture.  I’ve tasted several vintages of this bottling and this is the ripest in character of any that I can remember, with virtually none of the telltale notes of cedar and dry herbs that I associate--admiringly--with Chilean reds.  Although I would have been more likely to guess its source as California or Australia than Chile if I’d tasted it blind, its winning flavors and sheer succulence were more than enough to persuade me to give it an excellent score. 91 Michael Franz Sep 20, 2011

Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) "Finis Terrae" 2003 ($20, Billington): A venerable Chilean producer, Cousino-Macul excels with red wines that almost invariably display a somewhat earthy character. "Finis Terrae"(meaning the end or bottom of the earth) is the winery-s top-of-the-line offering. It delights because it manages to seem simultaneously rustic and sophisticated -- a difficult but delicious balance that few wines (the best from the Rhône Valley come to mind) manage to pull off. This blend of Cabernet and Merlot has a bouquet that hints at tobacco, leather and tar in addition to black fruit. On the palate, it seems complex but seamless, with a core of sweet fruit that lingers for a very long time. An excellent value, it should age effortlessly for a good ten years. 91 Paul Lukacs Feb 7, 2006

Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) “Finis Terrae” 2004 ($17, Billington Imports): This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot is the flagship wine of Cousino-Macul, one of Chile's leading wineries. I am continually amazed at how this winery produces such outstanding wine at such reasonable prices.  It has understated class and finesse despite the 14% alcohol. There is ripe fruitiness--characteristic of New World wine--beautifully integrated with earthiness and non-fruit flavors most often associated with Old World wines.  The nuances of mint remind you that its origin is Chile's Maipo Valley. 91 Michael Apstein Apr 10, 2007

De Martino, Maipo Valley (Chile) Carmenère Alto de Piedra Vineyard 2006 ($30, Global Vineyard Importers): This is an exemplary rendition of Carmenère that shows how good this variety can be.  Dark in pigment and very concentrated, it is nevertheless neither over-ripe nor overbearing in character.  Blackberry fruit notes are very expressive and nicely matched to some spicy oak, and accent notes of spices, cocoa and anise seed make for a complex overall character. 91 Michael Franz Nov 4, 2008

Peñalolén, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($20, Global Vineyard Importers): Good luck getting a better Cabernet than this for $20.  The wine shows quite expressive aromas and flavors, yet is really only medium-bodied, with enough structure to pair well with serious foods…but no harshness that would prevent you from enjoying it with light hors d'oeuvres.  That’s exactly what I tried the wine with recently at a party on Super Bowl Sunday, and though I totally lost my appetite during the 4th quarter, the wine was long gone by then.  Back up the truck…this is a steal.
91 Michael Franz Feb 14, 2017

Santa Carolina, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Reserva de Familia” 2008 ($19, Carolina Wine Brands):  Filled with classic cassis and black berry flavors enhanced by undertones resembling saddle leather, dried herbs, and spice, this wonderfully long and layered Cabernet offers excellent value.  Its distinctive personality makes it very compelling, as a wine with this much complexity and character coming from North America most likely would cost twice as much. 91 Paul Lukacs Feb 1, 2011

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Casa Real” 1999 ($61, Palm Bay Imports): This is Santa Rita's flagship wine, and though the winery has released later vintages (including a tight but tasty 2003), the American importer is still selling the now fully ready to drink 1999.  It's delicious.  With a compelling bouquet reminiscent of superior Bordeaux, and sweet, ripe fruit flavors, it offers impressive depth and length along with great balance.   Powerful but at the same time graceful, it offers added evidence that Chile's Central Valleys are home to some of the world's finest Cabernet-based wines. 91 Michael Apstein Oct 9, 2007

Viña Aquitania, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Lazuli” 2017 ($45):   Chile can be tough for the American consumer when it comes to wine.  There is perhaps nowhere else on earth that shows a sense of place in the glass for Cabernet Sauvignon more than Chile does, making the wines seem truly exotic, and even off-putting to tasters with settled expectations.  This wine shows such an exotic character, and it does so in an attractive, layered presentation of what I’ll call animal, vegetable and mineral in addition to the black berry fruit.  You’ll understand what I mean when you try it, and it will give you a clear window into what the region is all about.     
91 Rich Cook May 31, 2022

Antiyal, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2005 ($50, Global Vineyard Importers): This interesting, delicious wine is composed of 50% Carmenère, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah.  Dark in color and quite concentrated, it nevertheless shows no over-ripe notes, and does not seem remotely grapey or obvious despite alcohol that checks in at 14.7%.  Black fruit notes are dominant on both the nose and palate, with blackberry and cassis showing prominently.  Accents of black licorice and subtle smoke and spices are quite appealing and well balanced. 90 Michael Franz Apr 8, 2008

Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) “Finis Terrae” 2004 ($19, Billington Imports): Consistently one of the best values in premium Chilean reds, 'Finis Terrae' is a Cabernet Sauvignon (60% in 2004) and Merlot (40%) blend that displays ripe, succulent berry flavors enhanced by overt leathery, earthy notes that add intrigue.  It tastes very distinctive, and while tasty now, should become even more compelling and nuanced with a few more years in bottle. 90 Paul Lukacs Sep 25, 2007

De Martino, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet-Malbec 2007 ($18, Global Vineyard Importers): This 50/50 blend is a world-beater in terms of quality for price, and it could take on many $30 reds and come out on top.  Made from organically grown grapes, it offers very appealing notes of dark berries, cocoa and subtle toast and spices.  Rich and concentrated but neither heavy nor chunky, it is enduringly enjoyable, as the fruit is deliciously flavored and the texture is soft but still structured.  Pair this with almost any dish based on red meat. 90 Michael Franz Nov 18, 2008

Escudo Rojo, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2003 ($15, North Lake Wine): Bordeaux's Château Mouton Rothschild started a joint venture with one of Chile's premier wineries, Concha y Toro, to produce what has turned out to be one of Chile's greatest wines, Almaviva.  In addition, the owners of Château Mouton Rothschild produce other wines in Chile, such as this Escudo Rojo (which is a literal Spanish translation of Red Shield, the meaning of Rothschild).  I have liked previous vintages of this wine, and the 2003 is no exception because of the way it melds the styles of the Old World with the New World.  It has slightly leathery, smoky and chocolaty overtones--what I refer to as a 'not just fruit'--that complements its red and black fruit flavors.  Fine tannins lend structure without being aggressive. 90 Michael Apstein Jan 16, 2007

Kuyen, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2005 ($28, Global Vineyard Importers): This delicious blend is comprised of 55% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Carmenère.  Each of these grapes makes a contribution that shows up distinctively in the wine's aroma and flavor, which is an impressive accomplishment.  Scents of cedar and anise lend complexity to the foundational fruit notes of black plums and dark berries, and the wine shows lovely texture, with plenty of ripe, fine-grained tannin that doesn't obscure the fruit. 90 Michael Franz May 6, 2008

Kuyen, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2006 ($30, Global Vineyard Importers): A delicious blend of 66% Syrah and 17% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, this shows an impressive balance between intensity and restraint.  Quite concentrated in color as well as body, the darkness and density of the wine seems to presage a very ripe chunkiness, yet the aromas and flavors show lots of nice nuances that are well integrated.  Similarly, the structural elements of tannin and acidity work beautifully with the fruit component, offering backbone and freshness that make this a terrific drink right now but also promising for another 5 years of ageing. 90 Michael Franz Nov 25, 2008

Marques de Casa Concha, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($25, Excelsior): This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon uses the characteristic Maipo terrior vibe to advantage, grabbing the tasty side of the herbaceous notes as a balancer for bold blackberry and black cherry rather than overwhelming the fruit, and allowing subtle earthy minerality to speak clearly.  A great food wine at a nice price.
90 Rich Cook Jun 13, 2017

Peñalolen, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($20, Global Vineyard Importers):  Good luck finding $20 Cabernet that is as distinctive and detailed as this wine.  I taste frightening numbers of Cabs in this price range — especially in my restaurant consulting business — and I don’t like your odds of finding any bottle out there that can match this level of character and complexity.  It is very indicative of its Maipo origins, with lots of cedar and eucalyptus notes especially in the bouquet, but there is also plenty of dark berry fruit to keep this from seeming too “out there” in stylistic terms.  You can find heavier Cabs in this price range, and lots that are loaded up with residual sugar to sell as by-the-glass bar pours, but this is in a class by itself in terms of intricacy.         
90 Michael Franz May 23, 2023

Primus, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ($20):  This outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon delivers concentrated flavors of red currant and plum, beautifully integrated tannins and seductive notes of mocha and spice.  Exceptional value.
90 Robert Whitley Dec 19, 2017

Santa Ema, Maipo Valley (Chile) Merlot Reserve 2012 ($12, TGIC Importers): A delicious Chilean Merlot that shows baker's chocolate, vibrant vanilla, blackberry, cherry and leafy herbs on the nose.  The palate is bone dry with a touch oak char showing and is well integrated with good tannic grip and a long finish. It's a very attractive, food friendly wine that will pair well with a salt and herb encrusted rib roast.  Another value leader from South America!
90 Rich Cook Dec 30, 2014

Santa Ema, Maipo Valley (Chile) Merlot 2008 ($16, TGIC Importers):  There’s a lot of Merlot in Chile.  In good hands, the grape produces, supple, fleshy, but full-flavored red wines that can prove very satisfying.  Here’s a case in point.  With pliant tannins and unobtrusive acidity, the wine is easy to drink.  At the same time, there’s nothing simple about it.  Instead, it delights with its layered flavors and nuanced aromas.  Youthful, with a full overlay of oak, it benefits from decanting, as becomes ever more subtle with exposure to air. 90 Paul Lukacs Feb 7, 2012

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Medella Real" 2004 ($19, Palm Bay): In this era of over-priced and over-wrought red wines, it's a distinct pleasure to taste Santa Rita's top of the line Cabernet Sauvignon, Medella Real. Ripe black fruit flavors coupled with nuances of mint, which identify this wine as coming from the Maipo Valley, are supported by fine tannins. It has complexity and subtlety because the fruit is not over-ripe and the winemaker used restraint with the oak aging. Plus it's a bargain. 90 Michael Apstein Oct 31, 2006

Ventisquero, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2003 ($16, Austral Wine): Excellent wines at middling price levels have been lacking from Chile in past years, but bottlings like this may well put an end to that. Ripe, rich and deeply flavored with classic notes of cocoa, cassis and dark berries, with nice accents of subtly spicy, smoky oak, this is complete and completely convincing. Cedar aromas give this a somewhereness that is easy to associate with Chile, this is a dynamite wine at a more-than-fair price. 90 Michael Franz Mar 14, 2006

Antiyal, Maipo Valley (Chile) 2006 ($55, Global Vintage Importers): The first thing that should be said about this wine is that it may ultimately merit a much higher score, and the second thing that should be said is that it is currently compromised by an overdose of smoky oak.  Made from 44% Carmenère, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Syrah, it is clearly built on impressive raw material, judging from the depth of pigment and the sheer density of the wine.  Dark berry notes mark the fruit impression in terms of character, but charry oak notes are all over the fruit from the first whiff through the finish.  This may prove less distracting to others than it did to me, and there's a good chance that the fruit will manage to soak up the oak over time, but this release is not currently up to the level of the excellent 2005. 89 Michael Franz Dec 9, 2008

Cono Sur, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Visión" 2009 ($15, Vineyard Brands):  A serious Cabernet at a very fair price, this wine offers dark berry flavors enhanced by echoes of cedar and spice.  Both deep and long, it displays quite firm tannins that suggest cellaring is in order.  Most $15 red wines are made in a soft, pliant style so as to reward near-term drinking.  Not this one. 89 Paul Lukacs Jun 7, 2011

Haras, Maipo Valley (Chile) “Character” 2006 ($21, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates): This proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Carménère (19%), Cabernet Franc (9%), and Syrah (7%), tastes sweeter and more fruit-forward than most comparably-priced Chilean reds.  Yet while it lacks the herbaceous echo that distinguishes many such wines (particularly those with Carménère in the blend), it does display genuine complexity, particularly in its long, layered finish. 89 Paul Lukacs Jun 30, 2009

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2004 ($12, Palm Bay): Location, location, location.  This wine stands above Santa Rita's Cabernet '120' (reviewed above) because of the origin of the grapes.  Chile's Maipo Valley, just south of Santiago, has long been known as a prime place for Cabernet.  Wines from this area often have an herbal, even minty, quality which can be quite appealing when it's subtle, but is off-putting when it's not.  Santa Rita's is alluringly subtle and has the effect of amplifying the cassis-like flavors.  Plush, without being soft, its supporting tannins are present making it better suited at--rather than before--the dinner table. 89 Michael Apstein Jan 16, 2007

Veramonte, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($10, Icon Estates): This nicely proportioned wine delivers a winning combination of ripe black-fruit flavors and engaging earthiness robed with smooth, supple tannins.  It's hard to beat it at this price. 89 Michael Apstein Dec 19, 2006

Aresti, Maipo Valley (Chile) Syrah “A Reserva” 2006 ($16, Broadbent Selections):  With an aroma that features spicy red fruit with an herbal note, this Syrah has bold and ripe black fruit flavors, along with a solid backbone of tannin and oak.  This wine should benefit from a few years in the cellar. 88 Tina Caputo Oct 26, 2010

Casillero del Diablo by Concha y Toro, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon - Syrah “Reserva Privada Vintage 2” 2006 ($16, Excelsior): This is the top of the line for Casillero del Diablo, Concha y Toro's popular and reliable value-priced brand.  As if to prove the point, it is extremely rich and muscular, full of dark fruit as well as plenty of vanilla and spice from 14 months of aging in French oak barrels.  If power and exuberance rather than subtlety are what you look for in red wine, then it is sure to delight. 88 Paul Lukacs Mar 10, 2009

Cono Sur, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Visión” 2006 ($14, Vineyard Brands): This is an admirably serious Cabernet at a pretty lighthearted price.  Gutsy and intense for a Chilean Cab in this price category, it shows full ripeness but still has a nice, subtle herbal aromatic edge and a dash of refreshing acidity for lift in the finish.  There's a little Merlot blended in, and the tannins are fine in grain but still sufficiently abundant to enable this to stand up to a steak. 88 Michael Franz Aug 26, 2008

Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reservas 2004 ($13, Billington Imports): This well respected Maipo Valley producer best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is hardly typical of the region, showing more firmness and less juicy palate than most. There are subtle herbal nuances on the nose, and brooding dark berry aromas that will flesh out the mouth after a bit of age. 88 Robert Whitley Jan 9, 2007

De Martino, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet-Malbec 2006 ($15, Global Vineyard Importers): This tasty wine (a 55/45% blend) offers dark color and impressive density, but with balanced ripeness that keeps it from seeming chunky or overbearing.  The fruit shows very attractive notes of blackberry and black plum, with fine integration of fruit and tannin.  Oak influence is measured and subtle, and the overall impression of the wine seems much classier than one would expect given a $15 price tag. 88 Michael Apstein Apr 22, 2008

De Martino, Maipo Valley (Chile) Carmenere “Legado Reserva” 2006 ($15, Global Vineyard Importers): This Carmenère features some of the dark intensity that characterizes this fascinating grape variety, but does so without veering to the extreme of jarring coarseness to which it can be prone.  Dark berry fruit is accented with a hint of black licorice and a light leafy backnote. 88 Michael Franz Apr 22, 2008

Peñalolen, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($18, Global Vineyard Importers): This Cabernet from Chile's famed Maipo Valley--one of the world's great Cabernet terroirs--shows lots of class and versatility.  Medium- rather than full-bodied, it offers up very tasty fruit recalling black plums and cherries, with very soft tannins and very little overt wood.  Accent notes of cedar and tobacco leaf lend added interest.  Ideally suited to grilled white meats such as pork or veal chops, it could also work well with anything from pasta to red meats.  Should you find the 2006 vintage of this wine, it is even better at the moment. 88 Michael Franz Jan 27, 2009

Santa Ema, Maipo Valley (Chile) Merlot Reserve 2010 ($15, T.G.I.C. Importers): After 8 to 10 months in a combination of French and American oak, this Merlot satisfies with good complexity at a moderate price.  The nose shows Blackberry, black cherry, coffee, leafy herbs, bakers chocolate and a toffee note.  The palate translates the nose nicely, with emphasis on the herbs and chocolate in the midpalate giving way to fruit and coffee in the medium long finish.  There’s enough going on to keep you interested and it will leave you enough money to get some nice mushrooms to add to the meal.
88 Rich Cook Nov 26, 2013

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Shiraz 2006 ($12, Palm Bay): From the first enticing whiff through the long satisfying finish, this is a thoroughly engaging wine.  If you're thinking of indulging in carnivorous pleasures, this big beauty will provide just the right vinous companionship for rare beef, or a garlicky leg of lamb (I enjoyed it also with grilled chicken thighs wrapped  in bacon). 88 Marguerite Thomas Nov 13, 2007

Santa Ema, Maipo Valley (Chile) Merlot Reserve 2008 ($10, TGIC Importers):  Here’s a toasty, plush, big Merlot more appropriate to accompany a grilled steak than as an aperitif.  Although there are subtle leafy notes, the focus is on juicy black fruit-like flavors and a dollop of sweet oak.  At ten bucks, it’s a fine choice for drinking this summer with burgers or grilled skirt steak. 87 Michael Apstein Jul 12, 2011

Veramonte, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 ($9, Franciscan Estates Selections): Want better, more interesting Cabernet than this for $9? Good luck you're your search&and please, call me if you find it. In the meantime, I'll be enjoying this delicious, true-to-the-grape wine with dark berry fruit and nice accents of dried herbs and very light oak spice. Medium-bodied and very versatile with food, this is a great value. 87 Michael Franz Nov 8, 2005

Emiliana, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 'Eco Balance' 2009 ($9):  The Emiliana Eco Balance wines are made from sustainably farmed grapes throughout the better winegrape regions of Chile. This Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a luscious, juicy mouthful of blackberry, black cherry fruit, good balance and modest tannins. It is meant for easy drinking at an easier price, and it succeeds.
 
86 Robert Whitley Dec 7, 2010

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005 ($11, Palm Bay): Of the three Santa Rita Reservas from the 2005 vintage, this is clearly the pick of the litter, which isn't all that surprising given the remarkable synergy between this grape and the Maipo Valley.  It shows surprisingly robust fruit in light of the selling price, and the black fruit notes are effectively augmented by notes of cedar and spices, along with leafy, herbal hints. 86 Michael Franz Jun 12, 2007

Cono Sur, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Visión” 2005 ($15): The Cono Sur wines are impressive across the board, offering excellent value at both the regular tier and also on this more exalted 'Visión' level.  This wine shows just a little hint of the cedar note that marks so many Cabernets from Chile note, with the main characteristic being ripe, soft blackberry fruit.  There's enough tannin to frame the fruit, and a bit of oak to lend some complexity. 85 Michael Franz Jan 1, 2008

Terrunyo by Concha y Toro, Maipo Valley (Pirque Viejo Vineyard, Block Las Terrazas) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($38, Excelsior Wine & Spirits):  A small measure of Cabernet Franc was blended with the concentrated and ripe Cabernet Sauvignon then the final blend was aged for 18 months in new and used French oak barrels.  The color is a deep inky black with ruby edges, while the aromatics offer ripe black fruits and mineral notes.  There is sweet fruit, hints of mocha and anise, lots of big ripe tannins, 14.6% alcohol and a long concentrated finish.  Any Cabernet character and flavor that was in the grapes is now masked by the layers of oak and extract.  Packaged in an environmentally unfriendly bottle, this Cabernet weighs in at 54 ounces full of wine.
85 Gerald D. Boyd Sep 13, 2011

Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Merlot Reserva 2005 ($11, Palm Bay): This is a well made Merlot offering solid value, with fruit notes recalling black plums and dark cherries, as well as accents of mint, spices, and dried herbs. 84 Michael Franz Jun 12, 2007

Morandé, Maipo Valley DO (Chile) Carmenère “Vitis Única” 2021 ($20, Independence Wines and Spirits):  The 2021 Vitis Única Carmenère is warm and generous with ripe blackberry, plum, and dried red cherry notes alongside subtle herbal undertones.  It is instantly recognizable as a wine of good structure and balance.  It is medium-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity driving a long, smooth, and minty finish.  This is a fine choice for those seeking a captivating and authentic expression of Carmenère, as it beautifully represents the terroir of the Maipo Valley.     
91 Miranda Franco Oct 24, 2023

Concha y Toro, Marchigüe (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva “Serie Riberas” 2019 ($17, Eagle Peak Estates):  The heart of Chile’s Colchagua Valley, one of the prime areas for growing red varieties, lies 30 miles or so inland, east of the Pacific Ocean.  Marchigüe, a lesser-known area with the Colchagua Valley, sits on the cooler coast.  At first glance, it may be odd that a winery would want to plant Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that likes heat, in a cooler area.  After tasting this Cabernet, the conclusion was clear that Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s top producers, knows what it’s doing.  This bottling comes from their Serie Riberas line, which are wines made from grapes grown on riversides, in this case the Tinguiririca River.  Their 2019 Cabernet is exactly what you’d expect from a top producer, such as Concha y Toro.  Classically framed, it delivers both dark, cassis-like fruitiness, accented with wonderful savory, olive-like nuances.  It’s savory, not-just-fruit element is captivating.  Fresh and lively, it finishes with a welcoming hint of bitterness, which makes it perfect for grilled beef.  At a modest (by today’s standards) 13.5 percent stated alcohol shows, once again, that you don’t need super ripe grapes to make a super wine.    
93 Michael Apstein Jul 13, 2021

Concha Y Toro, Marchigue DO (Chile) Malbec Gran Reserva Serie, "Riberas del Tinguiririca" 2013 ($17, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): Another fine effort in Concha y Toro's River Series of wallet friendly wines.  Aromas and flavors of blueberry, raspberry, toffee, violet and fall spice are soft on the nose and bold on the palate, with bright acidity and a long well integrated finish.  This is crying out for a rare New York strip – but it would be a fine soloist, too.
90 Rich Cook Dec 29, 2015

Concha y Toro, Marchigue DO (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Serie, "Riberas del Tinguiririca" 2013 ($17, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): The River Series is proving to be a nice choice for Concha y Toro, featuring fruit grown near particular flows out of the Andes range.  This Cabernet continues the flow of good scores for the series, delivering aromas and flavors of blackberry, currants, mild pepper and bakers chocolate in a lively glass that keeps you coming back for more.  I've seen the series on the shelf at my local supermarket, so you'll be able to locate them -- they'll give you a great indication of the quality ramp-up that's happening in Chile.
89 Rich Cook Dec 29, 2015

Chilensis, Maule Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2011 ($12, Vici Wine & Spirits): An astonishing value, this may well be the best under $20 Pinot Noir on the market today.  Its silky texture, spicy bouquet, bright yet not too sweet flavors, and long finish make it resemble a top-notch Côtes de Beaune.  How a Pinot Noir that tastes this graceful can come from a region known for muscular Cabernet is beyond me.  All I know is that the wine tastes fantastic!
94 Paul Lukacs Jan 7, 2014

Gillmore, Maule Valley (Chile) Carignan Old Vines Dry Farmed “Vigno” 2015 ($40, Global Vineyard Importers):  So much is happening in the wine realm in Chile these days that it is a real challenge to keep up, but you should nevertheless resolve to memorize the word, “Vigno.”  The word will only be seen on a very limited set of wines, and most of them are memorable like this one, which is downright fantastic.  Vigno is the name of an organization of high-end producers in the Maule Valley intent upon showcasing what can be made from their dry-farmed, old vines Carignan.  This vine variety – Carignan in French, Carignano in Italian, and Cariñena in Spanish – is often overlooked because it is lost in blends or overshadowed by other varieties in the Mediterranean regions in which it is planted (and, by extension, everywhere else in the New World where it was transplanted).  That’s enough background, so let’s get to it:  This is a current release from 2015 that’s perfectly mature with headroom for further improvement, and the fact that my press sample just showed up demonstrates a commitment to showcasing what wonders can be wrought from this fruit when vinified and aged respectfully.  I’d guess that this commitment reflects well on both the producer and Gillmore’s exemplary importer, but what is most important is the wine’s thrilling combination of fruity, meaty, and savory characters — all of which are so harmonious and integrated that tasting this is like twirling a gem to see differing facets of a single object.  Moreover, the oak, fruit, acidity and tannin are all singing in unison right now, so this is ready to rip if you can find it, though there’s no rush.  For those of us with wine loving friends who are either talented or experienced (or just pretentious), this is a great choice to present “blind,” as neither the grape nor the country of origin nor even the hemisphere will prove easy to guess.  By contrast, the wine itself is impossible not to admire, and to relish.       
94 Michael Franz Aug 30, 2022

TerraNoble, Maule Valley (Chile) Carignan Gran Reserva 2018 ($18):  When I visited Chile a few years ago, I was struck by several producers who were emphasizing Carignan.  TerraNoble, in particular, got my attention with some old vine (60+ years) Carignan being grown by small farmers in the coastal range of the Maule Valley.  Produced in small lots to promote a rich mouthfeel, this wine offers balanced strength, finesse, freshness, and intensity with notes of cherry, red raspberry, and earthiness framed by subtle floral aromas.       
93 Jessica Dupuy Nov 17, 2020

Undurraga, Maule Valley (Chile) Carignan "T.H." 2013 ($33):  At $33, I’m pushing my luck here with the “bargain” theme, but few wines can change your mind dramatically about a so-called “workhorse” grape from Southern Europe that is now producing show-stopping results in Chile.  Carignan is known as Carignane in the USA, Carignano in Italy and Cariñena in Spain, but now that we’ve got that out of the way, the real news is that this offers marvelous black raspberry and red currant fruit interwoven with a host of savory nuances.  Will it be the next Malbec? 
93 Michael Franz May 1, 2018

Odfjell Vineyards, Maule Valley (Chile) Carménère “Orzada” 2019 ($21, Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd):  Initially striking for its youthful, intense purple color, this wine appears much younger than its 5 years.  This may be due to the fermentation and aging vessels used, reported to be stainless steel and cement.  A panoply of purple fruits arise from the glass with mulberry, plum and complicating notes of cedar, graphite and a softly herbal note which reads more fresh than green or under-ripe.  I usually consider Carménère a good choice to match grilled beef with its occasional herbal note, a good foil to a pungent chimichurri sauce.  This wine plays a fruitier edge in the mouth and while it has sufficient structure to stand up to beef, it is not massive; rather, it presents as medium bodied with juicy acidity which feels more old world in balance.  Note that this wine is made from certified organic grapes and is suitable for Vegans.         
92 Andrew Holod Feb 20, 2024

Alcance, Maule Valley (Central Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2014 ($24): This is a marvelous $24 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Black fruit flavors, a savory green olive component and the structure provided by its suave tannins means it’s a great choice to accompany a slab of beef this summer or fall.  Refinement and unexpected length at this price makes you want to remember the producer’s name.
91 Michael Apstein Aug 16, 2016

Erasmo, Maule Valley (Chile) Barbera - Garnacha - Carignan 2016 ($20, Palm Bay International):  This blend of 60% Barbera, 30% Garnacha (Grenache) and 10% Carignan is a juicy, youthful, vibrant  wine.  It has intense flavors of red and black fruits bolstered by a little meatiness and a touch of earth.  It is made with wild yeasts and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with no oak involved.  Enjoy the wine with chicken, pork, pizza or pasta. 
90 Marguerite Thomas May 8, 2018

Odfjell, Maule Valley (Chile) Carignan "Orzada" 2017 ($23):  Carignan doesn’t make a stand-alone wine very often outside of the south of France, so commercially it’s a bit of a gamble.   A good gamble as it turns out for Odfjell.   Its ‘Orzada” Carignan delivers a darkly fruited red that is rich and earthy and well balanced. 
90 Robert Whitley Jan 8, 2019

TerraNoble, Maule Valley (Chile) Carménère Gran Reserva 2020 ($20, Winebow):  Carménère is a Bordeaux runaway that found a perfect home in Chile's warm and dry climate.  The TerraNoble Carménère Gran Reserva showcases the depth of the fertile Colchagua Valley at the base of the highest peaks of the Andes.  Intensely aromatic, with a nose of spiced red and black plums along with red paprika and cumin notes.  A ripe palate offers dark fruit and leafy freshness, while slightly rough tannins enliven the taste buds and invite you to drink glass after glass.       
90 Miranda Franco Mar 21, 2023

Alcance, Maule Valley (Central Valley, Chile) Carmenere Gran Reserva 2013 ($22): This Carménère from Alcance, a Chilean winery under the umbrella of the Jackson Family Wines Collection, is a good introduction to this grape.  Carménère was formerly planted in Bordeaux but has fallen out of favor there because it is a late-ripening variety that often failed to reach maturity there.  That’s not a problem for it in Chile.  This appealing example combines ripe red and black fruit flavors with the alluring herbal or leafy character inherent to the grape.  Mild supple tannins allow for immediate enjoyment -- perhaps with grilled chicken -- while providing sufficient structure.  Bright acidity keeps it interesting throughout a meal.  For those averse to any “leafy” character in a wine, select a bottle of Alcance’s Merlot, which delivers more obviously fruity character to pair with the aforementioned grilled chicken.
89 Michael Apstein Aug 16, 2016

PKNT, Maule Valley (Chile) Carmenère "Gold" 2008 ($10, Bronco Wine Company):

This Carmenere tastes riper than many renditions of the Chilean varietal, with no noticeable green or herbal edge to it.  That would be a problem, considering that a leafy note seems to be a Carmenere signature, save for the fact that the wine proves impressive in every other respect.  It offers satisfying black fruit flavor with a dark chocolate-tinged finish, and very exciting depth.  Some 40% of the blend was aged in oak, and while you can taste hits of spice and vanilla, the wood plays a very minor role.  Designed for early drinking, it is an extremely satisfying wine, especially considering its low price tag.

89 Paul Lukacs Dec 22, 2009

Apaltagua, Maule Valley (Chile) Malbec Reserva 2013 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers): Here's a solid, budget priced Malbec from the "other side" of the Andes that delivers a fair amount of complexity and avoids some of the meaty character that Chilean wines are known for.  Cherry, red plum and mushroom aromas translate well on the palate, with soft acidity, moderate tannins and judicious use of oak leaving you with a finish that has just enough grip to carry the flavors with full integration.  It's ready to drink now with steaks or moderately strong cheeses.
88 Rich Cook Nov 4, 2014

Calina, Maule Valley (Chile) Carménère 2003 ($9, Sovereign Wine Imports): An exceedingly strong wine for the money, this Carménère shows nice varietal character with notes of blackberries and dried herbs. The fruit is very ripe and expressive, and while the finish shows enough stuffing and tannin to peg this as a great partner for a steak, the texture is sufficiently soft for this to work with lighter meats like pork or duck as well. 87 Michael Franz Feb 14, 2006

Apaltagua, Maule Valley (Chile) Malbec Reserva 2013 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers): This fruity Malbec from Chile's Maul Valley will do nicely at those tailgate parties and end-of-the-season backyard barbecues. With soft, supple tannins it is drinkable now, showing succulent black fruits, a hint of spice and a lingering finish. 86 Robert Whitley Oct 28, 2014

VIK, Millahue (Cachapoal Valley, Chile) 2018 ($140, VIK Wines):   Chile is at the forefront of producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, and VIK is part of a new class of Chilean Cabernets that are being produced at the highest levels.  The 2018 VIK, the flagship wine of this property, is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc that demonstrates what can happen when conscientious viticulture meets brilliant winemaking.  The Cabernet Sauvignon brings voluptuous crushed blackberry, plum, and eucalyptus while the Franc imbues cigar box, dried herbs, and a robust backbone.  This 2018 is incredibly enjoyable now, but don’t mistake it for a Cabernet with a short-lived cellar life, as this will keep evolving for years to come.      
95 Miranda Franco Aug 29, 2023

Viña VIK, Millahue – Colchagua Valley (Chile) "VIK" Red Blend 2013 ($140):  VIK is the flagship wine and the icon of the winery, a rich red blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 14% Carmenere, and 2% Merlot.  Sticking with the book analogies, VIK is the literary classic that will stand the test of time.  It has a riveting complexity, like a great classic book that challenges you.  The palate is graceful and expansive, unfolding with layers of blackberry, cassis, currant, and a hint of cigar wrapper.  The wine resonates with supreme freshness beside fine-grained tannins.  It conveys a timeless “Old World” elegance but retains the essence of the dynamic Chilean terroir.   
97 Miranda Franco Oct 20, 2020

Viña VIK, Millahue – Colchagua Valley (Chile) "La Piu Belle" Red Blend 2015 ($79):  If the Milla Cala is the Cliff Notes of VIK, then the Piu Belle is the novel you read year after year.  It's a wine that becomes a permanent fixture in your wine cellar, and each time you taste it, you learn something new.  The Piu Belle is more “New World” in style than the Milla Cala and VIK.   This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Carménère and 14% Syrah has a remarkable definition, with a textural richness developed after 23 months in French oak.  The Piu Belle showcases notes of ripe blackberries, plum, cassis, blueberries, and violets that mingle with more savory hints of wild herb and cocoa.  The flavors are softly layered, with round tannins leading to a long memorizing finish.  To further enhance the wine's appeal, a colorful painting from artist Gonzalo Cinefuegos adorns the bottle, lending another distinctive touch to a beautiful wine.    
94 Miranda Franco Oct 20, 2020

Viña VIK, Millahue – Colchagua Valley (Chile) “Milla Cala” Red Blend 2016 ($35):  This is a Bordeaux-style red blend of 67 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 17 % Carménère, 11 % Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1 % Syrah.  If we view VIK wines like books, Milla Cala is perhaps the Cliff Notes of VIK.  It provides you with an introduction to the attention to detail placed in the creation of VIK wines.   The style is opulent and impressive.  At the core, you'll find strawberry, blackcurrant, and blackberry laced with subtle baking spice and floral notes.  The wine is energized with ample acidity and polished tannins.  Given the caliber of this wine, Milla Cala is the pinnacle of value.    
92 Miranda Franco Oct 20, 2020

Viña Vik, Millahue, Cachapoal Valley (Chile) 2011 ($150): This is just the third release of this wine, made from extremely young fruit, but it already shows a mind-boggling level of complexity and class.  Blended from Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Carménère (29%), Cabernet Franc (7%), Merlot (7%) and Syrah (4%), it shows beautiful and deep color extending all the way to the edge of a slanted glass.  Balanced scents of fruit and subtly toasty oak are very alluring, with savory accents beginning to emerge in the aromas and flavors.  Acidity, tannin and wood are all quite notable, but they present themselves very proportionally, and these structural elements leave center stage to the gorgeous fruit.  This will unwind additional complexities for years to come, but is already a totally convincing wine.  Tasted multiple times (including in a blind tasting alongside a sizeable set of Chile’s most eminent wines), I’ve consistently rated this at 96.
96 Michael Franz Dec 13, 2016

Concha y Toro, Peumo (Central Valley, Chile) Carmenere “Marques de Casa Concha” 2019 ($25):  According to Jancis Robinson, et al., in Wine Grapes, Carmenère comes originally from the Gironde, a prefecture in Bordeaux.  In the mid-nineteenth century it arrived in Chile where it was planted as a field blend with Merlot, and its identity became confused.  DNA analysis in 1997 confirmed Carmenère’s identity.  So, though it may have been born in Bordeaux, Chile made Carmenère famous.  This luscious wine from Concho y Toro’s Marques de Casa Concha line is a beautiful example of what this grape can  do.  It has a deep, dark ruby color enticing, and aromas of rich blackberry, plum fruit entwined with dark chocolate and vanilla.  It is silky smooth in the mouth with lush, ripe, dark fruit flavors framed with lively acidity and ripe, sturdy tannins.         
96 Rebecca Murphy Dec 6, 2022

Concha y Toro, Peumo (Colchagua Valley, Chile) Carmenère Terrunyo Block 27 2007 ($38, Excelsior):  It’s rare, very rare to find a Carménère that delivers this kind of polish and complexity.  It’s plenty plumy with good richness.  But there’s an alluring leafy and mineral aspect underneath all that ripeness that adds a “not just fruit” element and prevents it from being overdone.  Even tasted next to more expensive Carmenère, this one shows its class with exquisite balance and length.  There are bigger and bolder renditions of Carmenère that might be more impressive to taste, but I’ll go with this one to drink. 93 Michael Apstein May 31, 2011

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo, Peumo (Cachapoal Valley, Chile) Carmenere Peumo Vineyard, Block 27 “Entre Cordilleras” 2012 ($40, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): I might have guessed this wine to be an upper echelon Right Bank Bordeaux in a blind tasting - it's solidly structured and complex, with great acidity and chalky tannins. Black fruit, dried herb, earthy minerality, judicious oak char and spice aromas and flavors are a bit closed initially, so let it get a good airing before serving.  Better yet, if you've got the time, lay some down for 5 to 10 years.  I'm pleasantly surprised by the entire Concha Y Toro line of Carmenere offerings!
93 Rich Cook Nov 17, 2015

Concha Y Toro, Peumo (Cachapaol Valley, Chile) Carmenere Gran Reserva Serie, "Riberas del Cachapoal" 2013 ($17, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): This comes from a new fairly new line in the Concha Y Toro fleet that features what they call "single river, single vineyard varietal wines in a warming world," the theory being that riverbank soil, cool river-driven microclimates and the influence of the mighty Andes range are worth bottling as unique offerings.  This is a very nice glass that shows macerated blackberry, plum and mild notes of pepper and brown spice aromas and flavors that are well integrated and finish long, with the pepper notes coming slightly forward.  This kind of quality at this price is hard to come by! Pair it with richer fowl -- duck or pheasant will work.  Contains 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
91 Rich Cook Nov 17, 2015

Concha Y Toro, Peumo (Cachapaol Valley, Chile) Carmenere “Marques de Casa Concha” 2012 ($25, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): This bottle shows what the variety can do at full ripeness.  There's no vegetal sort of vibe happening - it's all blackcurrants, plums, fall spice and baker's chocolate, delivered on firm tannins that are supple and extend the finish.  This will take a little bottle aging to full round out, but it'll be worth the wait.  Contains 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.
90 Rich Cook Nov 17, 2015

Concha y Toro, Peumo (Cachapoal Valley, Chile) Carmenere Marques de Casa Concha 2019 ($25):  Carmenere (often spelled Carménère), originally and still planted in Bordeaux, has taken off in Chile.  Growers there confused the grape with Merlot (which was often planted in the same areas long before precise record keeping became the norm) and wound up harvesting it too early, which led to weedy, green flavors in the wine.  But now, growers know the difference, give it adequate time to achieve full ripeness, and make lovely, fleshy wine from it.  Take this example from Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s top producers.  This moderately sized wine delivers plummy black fruit-like flavors complemented by intriguing leafy and earthy ones.  Its polished textured makes it a good choice for hearty fall fare.          
90 Michael Apstein Oct 19, 2021

Concha y Toro, Peumo (Rapel Valley, Chile) Carmenère “Marques de Casa Concha” 2009 ($22):  This wine, like their Xplorador Carménère (also reviewed this week) represents another marvelous example of how Concha y Toro delivers value, even at a higher price.  Lush red- and black-fruit flavors intertwine seamlessly with savory elements.  Its class is evident by its silky texture, good density and lengthy finish.  Bright acidity keeps it fresh, making it an even more complete wine. 90 Michael Apstein May 17, 2011

Concha y Toro, Peumo (Chile) Merlot “Marques de Casa Concha” 2004 ($18, Excelsior Wine & Spirits): No gentle, supple Merlot, this wine offers deep, dark flavor along with lots of tannin and extract, so tastes muscular, even weighty.  It packs a punch, so won't be a good choice if you want something soft to sip.  But if you're looking for a red to pair with a steak or other hearty fare, this would be a fine choice indeed. 89 Paul Lukacs Feb 13, 2007

Concha y Toro, Peumo (Cachapoal Valley, Chile) Carménère "Marquis de Casa Concha" 2020 ($22, Eagle Peak Estates):  Carménère, a grape once mistaken for Merlot in Chile, often displays an alluring, slightly herbal component.  A hint of that character peeks through the quite ripe — 14.5 percent stated alcohol — profile of this one.  A perception of sweetness accompanies its ripe dark fruit character.  A suave texture makes dense wine easy to sip as an aperitif type wine.       
88 Michael Apstein Jun 21, 2022

Concha y Toro, Puemo (Cachapoal Valley, Chile) Carmenere Puemo Vineyard "Carmin de Puemo" 2003 ($70, Banfi Vintners): This is a powerhouse of a wine that would be overwhelming if not for the fact that all of its components are beautifully balanced against one another. Nearly black in color despite being three and a half years old at this point, it features very expressive aromas and intense flavors driven by dark berry notes. The wine's complexity is augmented by accents of coffee beans and dark chocolate, which work nicely with spicy oak notes. Very dense and concentrated, with plenty of acidity, tannin and oak (but not more than the fruit can support), this opens nicely after an hour of airing to display a multi-layered appeal that suggests it will not hit its apogee for another ten years. Very little of this will be available when it goes on sale in the USA in about a month. I'll see you in line. 95 Michael Franz Oct 31, 2006

Terrunyo, Puemo (Cachapoal Valley, Chile) Syrah Rucahue Vineyard Block 34 2006 ($38, Banfi Vintners):  Terrunyo is a label Concha y Toro uses for its upscale wines whose distinct character they believe is due to the precise locale of the vineyard.  Hence, the very specific coordinates--Block 34 of the Rucahue Vineyard, which itself is located in the Peumo subregion of Chile’s Cachapoal Valle--appear on the label.  All of this precision in locale would be meaningless if the wines under the Terrunyo label were ordinary.  They’re not.  I don’t know what else is planted in this area, but this wine makes a powerful argument that it’s the right place for Syrah.   It captures both the plumy and peppery elements that Syrah is capable of expressing, resulting in an enticing sweet / savory interplay.  A polished texture allows minerality and dark earthiness to show.  A long and broad wine, it’s an excellent choice for grilled meats this summer. 92 Michael Apstein Jun 21, 2011

Concha Y Toro, Puemo (Chile) Merlot Marques de Casa Concha 2005 ($20, Excelsior Wines & Spirits): A very powerful Merlot, marked by deep cherry and red berry fruit, echoes of leather, cocoa, and sweet vanilla, and a delicious long finish, this is yet another Chilean red made with a Bordeaux grape variety that demonstrates that Chile may well be one of the finest places on earth to make wines made from these grapes.  A Merlot with this forceful a personality from California would cost three times as much.  From Bordeaux?  Think triple digits. 91 Paul Lukacs Mar 11, 2008

Marques de Casa Concha, Puemo (Chile) Merlot 2004 ($19, Excelsior): Three years ago, this wine from Concha y Toro was pretty clearly the best Merlot in the world for $15. The 2004 is as good as the 2001, which means that this is an extraordinary wine, though now it is just a great value rather than a mind-blowing value. The less negative spin on this is of course that this is an excellent wine and a great value at the pretty affordable price of $19, so off we go: Impressively dark color is followed by very expressive aromas of black cherries and plums, with nice accents of cedar and saddle leather. There's very little overt wood atop the beautiful fruit, which is totally winning. 91 Michael Franz Jun 27, 2006

Terrunyo by Concha y Toro, Puemo (Cachapoal Valley, Chile) Carmenere Peumo Vineyard Block 27 2003 ($28, Banfi Vintners): This can't match the 'Carmin de Puemo' bottling for sheer depth and power, but it is a delicious, complete wine that shows all of Carmenère's considerable virtues. The fruit shows pure, fresh blackberry notes with a whiff of black cherry as well. Oak lends a hint of smoke and subtle vanilla, and though there's plenty of tannin to assure an additional five years of positive development, the tannins are soft in texture and fine in grain, permitting immediate enjoyment with food. 91 Michael Franz Oct 31, 2006

Concha Y Toro, Puemo (Chile) Carmenere Ribera Del Cachapoal Gran Reserva “Serie Riberas” 2015 ($17, Excelsior): Carmenere can fall into the "acquired taste" category for us North Americans -- it typically starts out green and dirty on a pop and pour, sadly leading to a fair amount of premature pouring out.  With a short amount of airtime, many examples can blossom into pretty interesting stuff.  This offering gives the expected, "Hello, my name is Carmenere and I'm from Chile" but it calms quickly into an earthy, peppery glass of black and blue fruits with a touch of oak char adding interest.  It will make a nice foil for gamier meats or bold cheeses.  Just to give you an idea, I raised my score two points over the ten minutes I spent with the wine.  Contains 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
90 Rich Cook Nov 1, 2016

Concha Y Toro, Puemo DO (Chile) Carmenere “Marques de Casa Concha” 2015 ($25, Excelsior):  A rather refined expression of this usually more rustic variety, with rich blackberry, rich soft spice and subdued pepper tones, racy acidity, supple grip and a long savory finish with notes of meat and soy sauce.  I like this as an interesting solo glass, or you could try a beefy pairing.
91 Rich Cook Jan 23, 2018

Concha y Toro, Puente Alto (Maipo Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Don Melchor” 2010 ($125, Excelsior Wine and Spirits): Don Melchor is the flagship wine of Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s leading producers.  It is always ones of Chile’s best wines.  And the 2010 is no exception -- it is simply stunning and all the more so as it sits in the glass.  The grapes come from a 260-acre single vineyard at the foot of the Andes Mountains in the Maipo Valley, which is Chile’s Napa Valley or Médoc as far as Cabernet Sauvignon is concerned.  The hallmark of great wines in my mind is a cashmere-like (as opposed to lambs wool) texture and complexity.  The 2010 Don Melchor has both.  Glossy and polished, the tannins still provide needed structure, but paradoxically, they’re almost invisible.  New flavors emerging with each sip -- dark fruit, a hint of leather, maybe some olive-like notes, a whiff of tobacco -- define complexity.  The panoply of flavors persists in a long and graceful finish.  A hint of bitterness in the finish reminds you this is serious wine, not a fruit bomb.  It’s actually remarkably enjoyable now, but given my experience with Don Melchor, the 2010 will blossom even more with cellaring.  Now about the gorilla in the room -- its price.  If its appellation were Napa or Pauillac instead of Chile, no one would blink at the price.  But how can a wine from Chile, a country known for inexpensive ones that over deliver, cost $125?  The answer:  This one over delivers, too, albeit at a different price point.  If you’re in a position to spend $100+ for a bottle of wine, this one should be on your table or in your cellar.
96 Michael Apstein Jan 13, 2015

Viña Don Melchor, Puente Alto (Maipo Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ($151):  Before Seña, Almaviva, Clos Apalta, or Viñedo Chadwick appeared on the scene, there was Don Melchor, standing head and shoulders above every other Chilean wine.  Formerly, Don Melchor was the flagship of the Concha y Toro winery.  Since 2019, it has become its own entity and winery within Concha y Toro, hence the subtle change in producer to Viña Don Melchor.  Make no mistake: It is still Concha y Toro’s flagship and one of Chile’s — and the world’s — best Cabernet-based wines.  Enrique Tirado, Don Melchor’s winemaker, explains that the wine is an expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, which explains why that grape always comprises at least 90 percent of the blend.  The 2020 Don Melchor leads with a subtle hint of mint and other aromatic herbal nuances.  It’s refreshingly restrained, not a fruit bomb, with suave tannins that magically provide plenty of structure.  As it sits in the glass, plum-like fruitiness intermingles with spice and savory notes.  It impresses with elegance and persistence, not power.       
96 Michael Apstein Feb 28, 2023

Concha y Toro, Puente Alto (Alto Maipo, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Don Melchor” 2020 ($144):  Just as the charm of Scotch depends on a whiff of peat smoke (except on Islay, where it is a gust), I’ve always associated the charm of the best Cabernet Sauvignons with having well-integrated aromas and flavors of oak barrels, both old and new. Winemakers, perhaps believing the taste is out of fashion, often downplay the use of wood, although, fortunately, they continue to make beautiful oak-flavored wines. I think that winemaker Enrique Tirado has done that task almost perfectly with his 2020 Don Melchor, knitting the wood flavors and aromas into the mainly red berry fruit and achieving the attendant flavors of unsweetened chocolate and pecan nuttiness of tannins by employing about 70 percent new oak and 30 percent second use. Although somewhat complex, the wine mainly shines for its luxurious, yet properly lean, harmony which comes out with sufficient aeration. (My first notes on opening were that it was closed and lacked freshness – but I’m good at waiting.) All is all, another delightful, well-crafted wine from this estate in the shadows of the Andes.      
95 Roger Morris Dec 6, 2022

Concha y Toro, Puente Alto (Maipo Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor 2002 ($47, Excelsior): I feel very fortunate to have tasted this wine from every vintage that has ever been made, and this is one of the very best. That is saying something, as it may have a more distinguished track record than any other wine from South America. Always wonderfully soft, with tannins that are unbelievably fine in grain, this vintage shows especially ripe and penetrating fruit flavors. Subtle accents of cedar and woodsmoke lend additional interest, and though this will develop for another decade, it is thoroughly enjoyable immediately. 94 Michael Franz Oct 11, 2005

Marques de Casa Concha, Puente Alto (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 ($20, Excelsior): This wine, along with Santa Rita's 'Medalla Real' Cabernet (also from Chile's Maipo Valley), gets my vote for the world's best Cabernet at $20.  It is so good that it should strike fear into the hearts of everyone trying to sell Cabernet for $50 these days--especially given the current economic climate.  Dark in color and very concentrated in both pigment and body, it features fruit notes that recall blackberry and black cherry, along with accent notes of cedar, cocoa powder and subtle spices.  There's plenty of tannin and a little oak to frame the fruit, but the sheer richness of the wine easily keeps the tannin from drying the finish. 93 Michael Franz Mar 3, 2009

Concha y Toro, Puente Alto (Maipo Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Marques de Casa Concha” 2012 ($22, Excelsior Wine and Spirits): Cabernet is king in the Maipo Valley and especially Puente Alto region, which explains why some of Chile’s finest Cabernet-based wines carry this appellation. For example, Don Melchor, the iconic -- and expensive ($100+) -- wine from Concha y Toro, one of the country’s leading producers, hails from Puente Alto.  But Concha y Toro makes other impressive, yet more affordable Cabernets, such as this one, from this prized region.  The Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon conveys the New World’s ripe fruit elements as well as the earthy, savory notes found in Old World wines, giving it an intriguing ying and yang balance.  Suave tannins allow you to enjoy it now with a steak.  Its price makes it all the more remarkable.
92 Michael Apstein Dec 30, 2014

Concha y Toro, Puente Alto (Maipo Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Don Melchor" 2007 ($80, Excelsior):  This sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 2% Cabernet Franc, was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels.  The color is a deep ruby and the aromatics open to dark fruits and a hint of blueberry from the Cabernet Franc, with underlying herbal notes.  The flavors are richly textured and bright, with licorice, blackberry and smoked bacon.  The tannins are refined and the wine finishes at 14.5% alcohol.  This excellent example of Concha y Toro’s top Cabernet needs a few more years in bottle to show its full potential. 91 Gerald D. Boyd Mar 1, 2011

Concha y Toro, Puente Alto (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Marques de Casa Concha” 2008 ($18, Excelsior):  The Marques de Casa Concha bottling from Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s best producers, is so consistently good that it is one of my “go to” recommendations when people ask for an under $20 red wine. 
Their 2008 Cabernet upholds that tradition with an interplay of dark fruit and herbal--almost minty--flavors.  Not a flabby wine, the tannins lend support without being aggressive.  That said, it screams for a steak rather than as a stand-alone before dinner.
89 Michael Apstein Mar 29, 2011

Marques de Casa Concha, Puente Alto (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($19, Banfi Vintners): The wines under this brand have been creeping up in cost almost every year lately, and yet they continue--unquestionably--to merit their prices.  This shows intense, gutsy fruit with notes of blackberries and blackcurrants, along with nice accents of spicy oak and a little whiff of cedar that lets you know the wine was sourced from Chile. 88 Michael Franz Nov 7, 2006

Concha Y Toro, Puente Alto DO (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard “Don Melchor” 2014 ($125, Excelsior):  "The Flagship" -- maybe not just of Concha Y Toro, but perhaps an entire country.  From vineyards at the base of the western slope of the Andes range, this is a brooding, concentrated wine that will take time, in the cellar or in the decanter, to show its full cast of characteristics.  Blackberry, red currant, mild dried herbs and lively spice will delight you and pair with your best beef preparations.  Salud!  Contains 8% Cabernet Franc.
95 Rich Cook Jan 16, 2018

Don Melchor, Puente Alto DO (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard 2012 ($125, Excelsior): A noble wine that shows sense of place in a most positive way, and one that's built for the long haul.  Black cherry and red currant aromas are joined by deep earthy minerality and balanced pepper notes, and they translate well on the palate, with the oak and earth tones in front at present.  Have no fear, the fruit will come forward with extended bottle age and this will become an elegant gentleman.  Bravo!
95 Rich Cook Nov 29, 2016

Concha y Toro, Rapel Valley (Chile) Merlot Peumo Vineyard "Marques de Casa Concha" 2004 ($19, Excelsor Wine & Spirits): I can't think of a better value in Merlot, a too often maligned varietal these days, than this deliciously deep and dark, but fully accessible wine from Chile.  Concha y Toro's 'Marques de Casa Concha' line consistently includes wines that outperform their price tags.  While they don't really come cheap, they do taste as if they cost a lot more. 91 Paul Lukacs Jan 23, 2007

Santa Rita, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenère Reserva 2003 ($12, Vineyard Brands): Until recently, the Carmenère grape was confused and harvested with Merlot in Chile. Like Merlot, Carmenère traces its origins to Bordeaux. Although it was once called "Chilean Merlot," it ripens a week or two later than Merlot and when harvested with Merlot, it gives unripe, vegetal flavors. Santa Rita clearly knows the difference between the two grapes and waited until the Carmenère was fully ripe for this luscious wine. With earthy, mineral-infused flavors, it is a plush, balanced wine at a great price. 91 Michael Apstein Oct 25, 2005

Casa Lapostolle, Rapel Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($14, Moët Hennessey USA):  It’s hard to imagine a better red wine value than this Chilean Cabernet.  Deep and dark, with multi-layered flavors reminiscent of black fruits, dark chocolate, and savory spice, it tastes rich and opulent but shows nary a hint of excessive heat or alcohol.  Beautifully balanced, this wine outperforms many Cabernets costing four or five times as much. 90 Paul Lukacs Oct 18, 2011

Santa Rita, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2005 ($12, Vineyard Brands): With mouthwateringly ripe dark red fruits, plenty of sweet oak and round tannins-could there be anything else to make this even more desirable?  Yes: power, and the wine has it!  This is quintessential Carmenere. 90 Marguerite Thomas Jan 16, 2007

Emiliana, Rapel Valley (Colchagua, Chile) Los Robles Vineyard 'G Reserve Biodynamic' 2005 ($92, Banfi Vintners):  This is the third vintage for “G”, a reference to gê, the ancient Greek word for “earth.”  The 2005 G, a biodynamic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Merlot, was fermented and aged in French oak, with an extended 30-day maceration.  The result is a deep ruby color with a black core, forward blackberry aromas backed with spicy oak accents.  Concentrated and dense, the flavors are richly textured, showing hints of mocha and dark plums.  The wine finishes big and ripe with 15.1% alcohol and plenty of length.  This is a massive wine that needs massive food. 89 Gerald D. Boyd Aug 9, 2011

Casa Lapostolle, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carménère "Casa" 2010 ($12, Moët Hennessey USA):  Founded in part by the Marnier Lapostolle family (of Grand Marnier fame) Casa Lapostolle was one of the early Franco-Chilean endeavors.  They remain one of Chile’s leading producers.  They produce at least three tiers of wine, with their “Casa” label falling the in middle.  Woodsy herbal notes juxtaposed to ripe fruit tones make this Carménère an intriguing wine.  Suave tannins make it easy to enjoy now while providing sufficient structure to prevent jamminess. 88 Michael Apstein Apr 3, 2012

Concha y Toro, Rapel Valley (Chile) Merlot “Casillero del Diablo” Reserve 2008 ($11, Excelsior):  Although I did not care for the Carmenere among the current releases in the “Casillero del Diablo” Reserve line from Concha y Toro, this Merlot and the Cabernet are both terrific.  The Merlot shows medium body, nice plum and black cherry flavors, just the barest suggestion of smoky oak, and fine-grained tannins in the finish.  I tasted both wines for three days out of an uncorked bottle, and neither lost any of its fruit or coherence, which is amazing for wines in this price range. 88 Michael Franz Dec 22, 2009

Emiliana, Rapel Valley (Chile) Merlot "Natura" 2008 ($11, Banfi Imports):  The Rapel Valley is one of Chile’s top growing areas for Bordeaux varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Deep purple-ruby in color, it has forward ripe berry aromas with hints of carbonic maceration.  Forward strawberry flavors are supported by fine tannins and a hint of oak; 35% of the wine was aged in French oak barrels for six months.  This is an attractive, fruity wine, finished at 14% alcohol, though it could show more varietal character.  Natura varietal wines are made from organic grapes. 88 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

Emiliana, Rapel Valley (Chile) Syrah "Natura" 2009 ($11, Banfi Vintners):  Emiliana is dedicated to making wines from organically grown grapes (Natura and Novas labels) and biodynamic farming principles (Gê and Coyam labels).   This Syrah highlights the plumy flavors the wine can deliver rather than the peppery notes characteristic of wines from cooler climes, such as the Northern Rhone.   Its straightforward fruit flavors are wrapped in supple tannins and buttressed by enough acidity to keep it fresh.  It’s an excellent value and another fine choice to accompany sizzling steaks coming off the grill. 87 Michael Apstein Jul 12, 2011

Santa Carolina, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2008 ($9, Carolina Wine Brands):  This very solid wine offers lots of flavor and fun for the money.  Although it is a bit simple, with dark-toned fruit that is juicy and ripe, there’s enough oak in the mix to keep it from seeming chunky and obvious.  The wood and some notable tannin provide grip in the finish, but the overall feel is still plush, soft, and well suited to braised red meats. 87 Michael Franz Jan 12, 2010

Santa Rita, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenere Reserva 2004 ($12, Palm Bay): Carménère, a grape originally grown in Bordeaux but abandoned there because the weather was unpredictable -- often too cool -- to assure consistent ripening, has found a devoted following among winemakers in Chile. They realize that when planted in warm sites, such as the Rapel Valley, Carménère can produce a wine with considerable complexity.  Santa Rita's Reserva combines the grape's inherent earthiness with a very ripe pluminess surrounded by supple tannins.  On the edge of over-ripeness, the gamy element keeps it in check. 87 Michael Apstein Jan 16, 2007

Santa Rita, Rapel Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "120" 2005 ($8, Palm Bay): Chile continues to churn out well-made, well-priced wines.  This, Santa Rita's least expensive Cabernet, is a remarkable value.  Ripe, without being sweet or overdone, it has smoky elements that add complexity and tannins that are firm, but not astringent. 87 Michael Apstein Jan 16, 2007

Terrunyo by Concha y Toro, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenère Peumo Vineyard, Block 27 2007 ($38, Excelsior Wine & Spirits):  Carmenère is Chile’s moderately successful red-wine claim to fame.  This one was aged in new and used French oak barrels for 18 months and it shows.  It has a deep inky black-red color, toasted oak and low intensity dark fruit aromatics, big concentrated ripe fruit flavors, little varietal character, lots of oak, refined tannins, 15% alcohol and a little heat.   Everything about this wine is big, including the heavy deeply-punted bottle that weighs in at just over 53 ounces full (standard is 45 ounces).
87 Gerald D. Boyd Sep 13, 2011

Cono Sur, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenère “Visión" 2007 ($15, Vineyard Brands): Fruity and fulsome, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this wine.  But there also is nothing especially compelling, and the $15 price-point with red wines from Chile is extremely competitive.  The overt and somewhat grapey fruitiness here may well calm down in a year or two.  If so the rating will prove too conservative. 86 Paul Lukacs Nov 10, 2009

Casillero del Diablo, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2008 ($11, Banfi Vintners):

If you're planning a tailgate party for the upcoming football playoffs and need an inexpensive but sturdy red to stand up to savory grilled brats and the like, the Carmenere from Casillero del Diablo could be your ticket to a winning post-season. This bargain beauty offers robust flavors of plum and blackberry, with hints of mocha, spice and a gamey backnote.

84 Robert Whitley Dec 22, 2009

Casillero del Diablo, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2008 ($11, Banfi Vintnes): If you're planning a tailgate party for the upcoming football playoffs and need an inexpensive but sturdy red to stand up to savory grilled brats and the like, the Carmenere from Casillero del Diablo could be your ticket to a winning post-season. This bargain beauty offers robust flavors of plum and blackberry, with hints of mocha, spice and a gamey backnote. 84 Robert Whitley Jan 5, 2010

Santa Rita, Rapel Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2005 ($11, Palm Bay): I love Carmenere, and I love most of Santa Rita's work with reds, but I'm afraid I don't like the overlay of vanilla-scented oak that detracts from this wine.  With intense notes of black fruit, lots of (rather astringent) tannin, and a notable scent of anise, I'm not surprised that the decision was made to try to domesticate this wine with a little sweet oak, but the vanilla is a distraction.  Still, for eleven bucks, you might want to give it a try, as this note may bug me more than you. 81 Michael Franz Jun 12, 2007

Apaltagua, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir “Coleccion” Limited Edition 2012 ($22, Global Vineyard Importers): I’ve been drumming my fingers on tabletops for years while waiting for Chile and Argentina to get things right with Pinot Noir.  Both countries have a zillion options regarding latitude and altitude, so success has seemed inevitable, yet results continue to disappoint, year after year.  Here is an exceedingly welcome departure from that rule.  The wine shows wonderful purity and delicacy that is appropriate to the grape variety, yet not at the cost of faint aromas or shallow flavors.  Subtle oak is very nicely tuned to the wine’s weight, and likewise the tannins are appropriately soft and unobtrusive.  Delicious now, this will likely improve for another 3 or 4 years at a minimum.
90 Michael Franz Nov 11, 2014

Matetic Vineyards, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir “Corralillo” 2010 ($28, Quintessential Wines):  The grapes for this wine are certified organic with a small percentage coming from vineyards very close to the ocean.  Corralillo was aged in French oak for 11 months.  The color is a brilliant deep ruby and the aromatics show layers of boiled tea and leather that are not as evident in the taste.  There’s a bright fruit entry, plenty of black cherry and a little leather, good texture, 14.5% alcohol and a long fruity finish. 90 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 22, 2011

Viña Matetic, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir “EQ” 2005 ($25, Martin Scott): When I tasted Viña Matetic's 2003 EQ Pinot Noir two years ago, I felt that it was the best New World Pinot Noir I had ever experienced.  I tried it again a few weeks ago, and I still feel the same way.  Meanwhile, the 2004 is now available, with the 2005 on its way.  Both are very good, but not as glorious as the 2003.  Perhaps they both need a little more time.  The 2005 EQ Pinot Noir is vibrant and rich, with tart cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors, and a soft, inviting texture. 90 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Viña Matetic, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Syrah “EQ” 2005 ($25, Martin Scott): Viña Matetic's Syrah has received probably the greatest critical reviews of any Chilean Syrah.  The 2003 EQ Syrah is simply mind-boggling, a great wine.  The current 2004 and upcoming 2005 are also very fine, but both are rather tough and tannic right now.  The 2005 EQ Syrah, very dark and dense in color, is very concentrated, with black pepper aromas and flavors.  It needs at least a year to tame down, but should be awesome. 90 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Matetic Vineyards, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir “EQ” 2009 ($40, Quintessential Wines):  EQ is from the same hillside Matetic vineyards, but this Pinot was aged for only 10 months in French oak, followed by an egg white fining before bottling.  The result is a medium-deep ruby color, toasted French oak and spice over dark-fruit aromatics, forward sweet fruit flavors, medium tannins and length and a little heat from the 14.5% alcohol.  Even with only one additional year of age than the Corralillo Pinot, EQ shows a lot more maturity and less freshness.
89 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 22, 2011

Domus Aurea, Upper Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($80, Global Vineyard Importers):  This 2019 release is a wonderful rendition of Domus Aurea, one that shows some noble restraint in terms of the eucalyptus and cedar characters that always mark the wine, and yet not so much restraint that the wine doesn’t remain true to its remarkable growing site, which ultimately powers right through all efforts at restraint.  That might seem like a self-contradictory sentence, but it isn’t — as I’d guess experienced admirers of this great wine will agree when they taste this vintage.  The wine’s core of fruit is vivid and strikingly pure, showing more black notes than red ones but some of each, with superb depth of flavor and very, very impressive length.  However, the exotic “accents” are just as prominent in the wine’s overall impression as that fruit “core,” as the minty, spicy, salty mineral notes are all present in force from the first whiff through the last note in the finish, which is phenomenally persistent.  What this wine presents that the Alba de Domus can’t quite match — despite its obvious excellence — is a degree of precision in its proportionality that lets all of its (seemingly countless) aroma and flavor elements work together in an even more impressive harmony, all showing themselves without over-riding any of the others.  Chile’s other ultra-premium Cabernets and Bordeaux-style blends are all deserving of the prices they command and the praise they garner, but none of them are as emphatically and proudly Chilean as this one.  Don Melchior, VIK, Chadwick, Seña, Almaviva — all fabulous without a doubt, and every one of them more “international” in style (and probably better bets for those who wish to impress important clients when celebrating some deal-signing in a steakhouse without taking a chance on a wine that might raise eyebrows or rub somebody at the table the wrong way).  But for sheer distinctiveness and excitement value, none of them can touch this wine.        
96 Michael Franz Nov 1, 2022

Domus Aurea, Upper Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($70, Global Vineyard Importers):  This consistently outstanding example of Chilean Cabernet shines yet again in the 2014 vintage.  The fruit profile is a bit riper than usual, resulting in quite soft texture and immediate enjoyability, yet with no pruny notes.  Although the structure is soft, the wine is very expressive in aroma and deep in flavor, with savory notes and subtle wood beautifully intertwined with fruit notes.  Drink now or hold for 5 years.
94 Michael Franz Jul 3, 2018

Domus Aurea, Upper Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($50, Global Vineyard Importers): Dollar for dollar, no place in the world makes Cabernet that offers more complexity and class than Chile's Maipo Valley.  Consequently, wines at the more affordable end of the spectrum tend to get most of the attention from consumers, since the value offered for the money is so striking.  However, you would be well advised to pony up for a bottle like this for a special occasion so that you can learn how high high-end bottlings of Cab from Maipo can be.  Wonderfully balanced and integrated, this wine features blackberry and black currant fruit that shows ripeness but also restraint.  The fruit notes are accented with interesting nuances of cedar, tobacco leaves, toast and subtle spices, and the fine-grained tannins lend structure but no astringency. 92 Michael Franz May 6, 2008

Domus Aurea, Upper Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($60, Global Vineyard Importers):  This consistently excellent wine looks very strong again in the 2007 vintage.  Dark and dense, it is nevertheless not overripe or--for that matter--overdone in any respect.  Firmly tannic but neither hard nor dry, it shows lovely fruit recalling dark cherries and blackberries, with backnotes of cedar, cocoa powder and toast.  Ready now with robust food, this will certainly improve for at least another five years. 92 Michael Franz Apr 24, 2012

Viña Quebrada de Macul, Upper Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Domus Aurea” 2006 ($55, Global Vineyard Importers):  A single-vineyard wine made from old vines in the Clos Quebrada de Macul vineyard, this is a Chilean Cabernet that really requires years of ageing to show its full range of capability.  Quite tight immediately after opening in both aromatic and flavor terms, it shows appealing blackberry fruit that is tightly wound in acidity and tannin, with apparent but restrained oak notes.  You’ll find the faintest whiff of dried herbs, but it is a note appropriate to Cabernet rather than one suggestive of the slight under-ripeness that some tasters mistake for a Chilean terroir note.  Nuances of cedar and oak toast are also evident, and the structural balance of tannin to fruit seems to promise a long period of development that may ultimately see this wine merit a higher score. 91 Michael Franz Dec 1, 2009

Killari, Valle Central (Chile) Carmenere 2018 ($10):  This variety can be quite green in presentation, and this wine has that quality, but it’s quite attractive here, setting the roasted bell pepper aromas and flavors against black fruit, black pepper and a touch of tar.  This is a wine for Kansas City Barbeque, and at a nice price to boot.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2019 Monterey International Wine Competition. 
91 Rich Cook Mar 19, 2019

Pepperwood Grove, Valle Central (Chile) Pinot Noir NV ($8, Don Sebastiani & Sons): Blind tasting strikes again, and in this case we can all save a few bucks because of it.  Eight dollars for a solidly varietal Pinot Noir, with fruit, spice, dry earth and herb aromas and flavors? Throw in a long, pleasant finish, drink-me-now acidity, the no corkscrew needed Zork and wide availability and you can't lose.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2016 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. 91 Rich Cook Mar 29, 2016

Concha y Toro, Valle Central (Chile) Casillero del Diablo “Reserva Especial, Devil's Collection" 2019 ($12):  One of many, many  labels from Concha y Toro, the “Devil's Collection” consists of a full roster of wines.  Among the reds, this blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon stood out.  Presented in an upscale, fancy, heavy bottle, it is a rich, bold wine that offers loads of character for the price.  Dark in color, it has an inviting aroma of black fruit and light spice, and the flavors are rich with currants and hints of spiced plums.  Fine grained tannins remain in the background and makes this a drink now, full bodied red.         
90 Norm Roby Dec 14, 2021

Kon Tiki, Valle Central (Chile) Merlot 2014 ($13): This is the value special of the 2015 Critics Challenge, a $13 Merlot from Chile's Valle Central. The Kon Tiki Merlot is fruit forward, showing bright aromas of cherry and plum, with supple tannins. A Platinum award-winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. 90 Robert Whitley May 26, 2015

Calina, Valle Central (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007 ($10, Sovereign Wine Imports): Very well-balanced, showing expressive varietal flavor with a hint of herbaceousness in the bouquet but nothing except satisfying fruit and spice on the palate, this wine offers further proof that Chile continues to be a source of fantastic bargains in Cabernet Sauvignon. California vintners making Cabs in this price range simply don’t come close in terms of overall quality. 89 Paul Lukacs Jan 19, 2010

(Oops), Valle Central (Chile) Carmenère 2005 ($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): A new label, the oddly-named (Oops) is devoted to promoting Carmenère, Chile's so-called 'lost grape.'  Only time will tell whether this still obscure grape becomes fashionable with American wine drinkers, but this introductory offering is a promising beginning.  It's marked by dark berry and plum fruit flavors, supported by spicy, herbal undertones.  A soft but at the same time substantial red wine, it offers fine value. 88 Paul Lukacs Mar 27, 2007

Espiritu de Chile, Valle Central (Chile) Carmenère 2006 ($11, Racke USA): An excellent value, and an excellent introduction to a varietal that many consumers know little about, this Carmenère tastes spicy and rich.  It offers a hint of the herbal note that seems characteristic of many Carmenères, but does not allow that note to dominate the overall impression the wine makes on the palate.  As a result, it will please folks who enjoy internationally-styled Cabernets and Merlots, while at the same time tasting intriguingly different. 88 Paul Lukacs Nov 11, 2008

Santa Rita, Valle Central (Chile) Carmenere "120" 2013 ($9, Palm Bay International): Year after year, this Santa Rita 120 Carménère is a remarkable value.  Deep in color, the 2013 Carménère offers an attractive bouquet of ripe blackberries, blackcurrants and cherries with nuances of espresso, mint and spices.  Full flavored and rich on the palate, it unfolds to reveal layers of black fruits underlain by herb and spice hints.  The wine avoids the excessive green elements of many Carménère bottlings and offers a lovely and balanced version at an amazingly affordable price.
88 Wayne Belding Dec 16, 2014

Undurraga, Valle Central (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "U" 2021 ($12):  Undurraga dates back to 1885 and today is a major producer with vineyards scattered around Chile’s primary wine regions.  Among several Cabernets produced, this one with the big “U” on the label is its entry level wine.  Dark in color, it has aromas of black fruit and cassis and is made in a robust, hearty style.  It could be easily mistaken for a Carmenère, but the fact remains it works very well as an everyday red.  Also noteworthy is that all of the vineyards are sustainably farmed and the U label is printed on recycled paper.  Good value.        
88 Norm Roby Dec 26, 2023

Gato Negro, Valle Central (Chile) Pinot Noir 2016 ($5, Shaw-Ross International):  Five dollars for drinkable Pinot Noir?  Here’s a wine for more than just the cat lovers on your list, one with soft cherry and cranberry fruit, pleasant green tones and food friendly acidity, all delivered in a light bodied style that won’t wear you out.  Chill slightly and enjoy. 
87 Rich Cook Aug 7, 2018

Kono Barú, Valle Central (Chile) Chardonnay “Unwooded” 2006 ($13, 31 Loose Screws): This is one in a series of wines from the southern hemisphere being sold with labels pasted upside down in an act of marketing madness sure to cause vertigo.  Happily, the wine doesn't reflect any of that silliness.  It's a solid, fresh Chardonnay, full of golden delicious apple fruit flavor, with good balance and a clean finish, and it offers good value for a quite reasonable price tag.  There is a bit of residual sugar, so don't try it if your tastes run towards truly bone dry whites. 87 Paul Lukacs Jul 17, 2007

Santa Rita, Valle Central (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "120 Reserva Especial" 2019 ($7):  The world needs more drinkable everyday wines like this because it will keep you from raiding the wine cupboard for the “good” stuff every night.  Easy drinking, quaffable and well balanced, the Santa Rita Reserva Especial from this vintage is fresh and juicy, shows red and black fruit aromas, and smooth tannins.    
86 Robert Whitley Oct 27, 2020

Frontera by Concha y Toro, Valle Central (Chile) País “The Original” 2013 ($8, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): País is a workhorse red grape of Chile.  Widely planted, it is synonymous with the Criolla Chica of Argentina and the Mission grape of California.  DNA evidence shows it to be the Listán Prieto grape of Spain’s La Mancha region that was likely transported to Chile by Spanish settlers in the 1600’s.  Concha y Toro is releasing The Original Paísunder the Frontera Specialties brand.  The nose shows bright strawberry, red cherry and cranberry fruits with floral and herbal hints.  The flavors offer a soft and fruity style with some dried herb and pleasant spice notes and very light tannins. There is some sweetness but overall it is well balanced, smooth and easy to drink.  Serve it with tacos or other spicy Latin fare and enjoy it in its youth.
84 Wayne Belding Feb 17, 2015

Natura, Valle Colchagua (Chile) Carmenere 2018 ($10, Banfi Vintners):  Just as Malbec shines in Argentina, Carmenere, the forgotten grape of Bordeaux, excels in Chile, especially in warmer zones.  On top of that, the price for good Carmenere from Chile is dirt cheap.   This beauty from Natura shows notes of red currant and cherry, with a touch of oak spice and impressive balance.   A Platinum Award winner at the 2019 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.  
94 Robert Whitley Jun 11, 2019

Seña, Valle de Aconcagua (Chile) Red Wine 2021 ($150, Shaw-Ross International Importers):  Terroir is definitely a palpable thing in Chile, and it is on display here, with specific regional mineral character up front aromatically even with a couple hours in the decanter.  In other words, this is a true “sense of place” wine that celebrates its origins as any top shelf wine should.  The flavors are savory, with some dill and pepper joining the meaty character.  The fruit is currently brooding in the background, so tuck this one away for future revelation. It will be worth the wait!              
95 Rich Cook Oct 17, 2023

Seña, Valle de Aconcagua (Chile) 2020 ($150, Shaw-Ross):  When the late Robert Mondavi was in his ascendancy near the end of the  last century, he partnered with major producers on other continents in what were to become iconic red wines.  Although the Napa Valley pioneer and his family later had to sell their business, the great wines live on, a tribute to Mondavi’s world vision.  Here the partner was the Chadwick family.  The wine falls into the category of one of seamless textures and tastes, a sort of universality among great Bordeaux blends, rather than exhibiting a distinctive profile that would let you pick it out of a lineup.  In this case it is one of black raspberry flavors with a hint of chocolate, a little stony minerality, firm structure and chewy tannins.  It is delicious now – don’t worry about drinking it too earlier – but obviously you can enjoy it anytime over the next two decades.       
95 Roger Morris Sep 19, 2023

San Pedro, Valle de Cachapoal (Chile) “Altair” 2019 ($66, VSPT Wine Group):  A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Syrah and 2% Carmenère, the wine is quite lively and a bit juicy. It is darker in its fruit that the Hornos Cabernet (see related review) with lots of dry – but not dried-out – blackberry flavors and with more grip and hardier tannins.  Even poured the next day, it remains somewhat tightly wound – which I find attractive – and quite flavorful.     
93 Roger Morris Nov 21, 2023

San Pedro, Valle de Cachapoal (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Cabo de Hornos” 2018 ($67, VSPT Wine Group):  With lots of tangy red berry aromas, San Pedro's Cabo de Hornos Cabernet is very lyrical and silky but still substantial on the palate.  It has almost juicy red berry flavors with a touch of creaminess and with a hint of toasty oak and light apparent tannins.  Very enjoyable and lively, yet firmly grounded.       
92 Roger Morris Nov 21, 2023

Maqui, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Cabernet Franc "Franco" 2010 ($85, Global Vineyard Importers): Fine Cabernet Franc from an unexpected source that shows real depth and structure.  Deep cherry and soft dried herbs are just peeking out under the massive acidic structure, so give this a long decant or ten plus years in your trophy cellar.  Classic Cabernet Franc!  A Platinum Award winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.
97 Rich Cook Jun 2, 2015

Montes, Valle de Colchagua (Rapel Valley, Chile) “Purple Angel” 2017 ($83, Kobrand Wine & Spirits):  Italy may have its Super Tuscan wine, but at Chile’s Montes Winery Purple Angel is considered their “Super Carmènere.”   It is indeed a super wine with a rich, deep, dark ruby color with aromas of dark ripe fruit; blackberries, blueberries, plums, cherries and a hint of black currants from the eight percent of Cabernet Franc, mingling with aromas of vanilla and toasted nuts.  It is rich, round and textured on the palate with flavors of the black fruits layered with dried wood spices, vanilla and toasted nuts.  Tannins are ripe, velvety and integrated resulting in a seamless wine.   It is worthy of a bit of contemplation and meditation by a roaring fire.  However, its best place is on the table with a perfectly seared cut of beef or lamb chops.  The grapes are from vineyards in the Marchigüe and Apalta areas of the Colchagua Valley.  The Montes winery is nestled in the in the half-moon shaped Apalta Valley.  I had the privilege of visiting Montes in 2005.      
94 Rebecca Murphy Dec 21, 2021

TerraPura, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Carmenere Reserva 2018 ($12, Quintessential Wines):  A solid Carmenere that balances fruit, pepper, soft oak spice and some earthy minerality in a well-knit package that’s ready for roasted game bird or prime rib.   Another impressive wine from this new line, blended by long time California winemaking star Robert Pepi.  
91 Rich Cook Feb 5, 2019

TerraPura, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018 ($12, Quintessential Wines):  High toned spice is the calling card on the nose of this budget friendly Cabernet.  There’s plenty of typical fruit and some enjoyable earth tones that join the oak spice notes of cardamom and clove, and the elements switch roles on the palate, with the spices tucked nicely into the second row.  The finish integrates everything well, and again, a great price point makes for a high value wine.  More like this, please! 
91 Rich Cook Feb 5, 2019

Emiliana, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) “Coyam” 2018 ($39):  This robust blend of mostly Syrah (42%) and Carmenere (39%) works beautifully.  For those who are interested in things like this, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Carignan, Tempranillo, and Mourvèdre fill out the blend.  There’s red and black fruit flavors, spice, and herbal notes, all wrapped in silky tannins.  An organic wine, it displays solid substance without being heavy or overdone.  I wish I could say the same for the bottle.  The back-label states “Because we care,” and lists a variety of well-deserved certifications: organic wine, environmental care, social responsibility — you get the idea.  Then why the environmentally harmful heavy bottle?  Nice wine, bad bottle.         
90 Michael Apstein Aug 3, 2021

Emiliana, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Carmenere Natura 2013 ($12, Banfi Wines): Sometimes you need a peppery wine that's not as brambly or deep as a Zinfandel or a Syrah might be. Enter this Carmenere that's all about the pepper, with mild cherry, red currant and chocolate accompanying.  Try a seared and salted steak and pepper it as needed after trying it with the wine.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2016 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.
90 Rich Cook Mar 29, 2016

Maquis, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Gran Reserva” 2018 ($20):  This is one of Maquis’ entry level wines, and it does a good job of communicating regional character in an inviting way.  Typical aromas and flavors of earthy minerality, bell pepper, blackberry and black pepper are nicely integrated on a plush midpalate that finishes long and peppery.  It will make a great grilled beef partner.  Contains 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere and 1% Petit Verdot.    
90 Rich Cook May 24, 2022

Los Vascos, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Carménère “Cromas” Gran Reserva 2020 ($22, Taub Family Selections):  This wine showed a relatively light color for Carménère, which can be dark.  The nose is mostly savory with some barnyard, soured/lactic notes (oak derived?), plus black currant and herbal, leafy tones.  The palate dramatically improves upon the nose offering fairly intense flavors of cassis, cocoa powder, and violet hard candies.  The wine is fairly well balanced with low-ish acidity, soft, round tannins, and slightly elevated alcohol which reads a bit warm in the finish.  Very serviceable, it is likely to show better when served slightly cool.      
88 Andrew Holod Sep 12, 2023

Viu Manent, Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Malbec “Secreto de Viu Manent” 2019 ($14, Baystate Imports):  Though considered Argentina’s signature red, Malbec is grown all over the world.  This rendition, from neighboring Chile, is a lighter style of Malbec, weighing in at a modest 13.5 % stated-alcohol.  A hint of earthy nuances balances its fruitiness.  They’ve turned down the volume, which, to my mind, frequently increases the enjoyment from this variety that has a proclivity for producing robust reds.  The texture is suave, the tannins fine, so it can take a brief chill.  Think of this simple and satisfying Malbec with barbecued chicken this summer.       
87 Michael Apstein Jul 20, 2021

Viña Leyda, Valle de Leyda (Chile) Pinot Noir Reserva 2022 ($15, Park Street Imports):  Quite a bargain for the price and an excellent and versatile food wine made from a cold-climate appellation in Chile.  It has lovely Pinot Noir aromas and lots of impactful flavors of cherries with a touch of cola, some minerality and great length on the palate.  Though not a big wine, it punches above its weight.          
92 Roger Morris Jan 16, 2024

Leyda, Valle de Leyda (Chile) Pinot Noir Coastal Vineyards — Las Brisas 2020 ($20, Park Street Imports):  Lying about 50 miles west of Santiago, the Leyda Valley sits on the cool Pacific coast, which explains, in part, why this Pinot Noir is so engaging.  Restrained, not overblown or over-ripe, this mid-weight red delivers a harmonious mix of savory and leafy notes intermixed with red fruit ones.  It demonstrates beautifully the all-too-elusive duality of fine Pinot Noir — fruit and savory.  It would be a great choice for grilled or roasted salmon this winter.          
91 Michael Apstein Dec 19, 2023

TerraPura, Valle del Itata (Chile) Pinot Noir Reserva 2018 ($12, Quintessential Wines):  It’s pretty difficult to find a Pinot Noir of this quality at such a low price.  Winemaker Robert Pepi consulted on the blending of this line of wines and went with economical techniques here, but doesn’t sacrifice varietal character, regional character or finesse in the process.   Full bodied with black cherry, medium oak toast and spice notes, and a long spice driven finish that satisfies.  Well done!  
89 Rich Cook Feb 5, 2019

Concha y Toro, Valle del Limar (Chile) Pinot Noir Quebrada Seca Vineyard Marques de Casa Concha 2019 ($25):  Valle del Limari, in the north of Chile, is hot and dry, not exactly the conditions that Pinot Noir loves.  But Concha y Toro’s shines, in part, because of the vineyard’s location on the banks near the Limari River, which cuts through the coastal range of mountains and allows cooling Pacific Ocean air to bath the grapes.  Displaying not just fruit, there’s an abundance of savory earthy notes to accompany the red fruited ones.  It finishes a touch sweet, but good acidity keeps it fresh and suave tannins allow for immediate enjoyment.       
90 Michael Apstein Oct 19, 2021

Concha y Toro, Valle del Maipo (Central Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon "Marquis de Casa Concha" 2019 ($21, Eagle Peak Estates):  Despite a similar ripe dark fruit quality and the same 14.5 percent stated alcohol as the Carménère in this line, Concha y Toro’s Marquis de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon has a very different flavor profile.  This bold Cabernet displays a lovely hint of olives, mint, and other savory notes that balance and enhance its dark berry flavors.  It’s all supported by good, but not intrusive, structure.  While you might sip the Carménère before a meal, this Cabernet is definitely one for the table, especially if you’re grilling a steak.  Its suave texture allows you to enjoy it this summer.  Plus, it delivers more than you’d expect for the price.         
92 Michael Apstein Jun 21, 2022

Cousiño Macul, Valle del Maipo (Chile) Merlot “Antiguas Reservas” 2013 ($16, Viña Cousiño Macul): From Chile comes this vibrant Merlot.  The wine is lightly, pleasantly, herbal, boisterously fruity (look for lots of berries), and full of bravado.  It ends on a cascade of tannins and a long lasting finish.  Serve it with great, juicy steaks, seared pork chops or other meaty dishes and you’ll find yourself counting your blessings.
92 Marguerite Thomas Jan 24, 2017

Viña Tarapaca, Valle del Maipo (Chile) Carmenère Gran Reserva 2017 ($17):  Although Chilean Carmenère didn’t follow the wildly successful path of Argentinian Malbec, Tarapaca continues to fine tune its efforts.  One of the oldest Chilean wineries, Tarapaca enjoys a solid reputation for red wines from the Maipo Valley.  With short term bottle age, this Carmenère has settled down beautifully to offer rich fruit in a silky round mouth-filling package.  The ripe blackcurrant fruit mingles with the characteristic “Maipo mint” component that combines leafy and juniper berry notes.  With some spice and plenty of dark fruit flavors, there’s a lot going on here in this full-bodied, slightly tannic wine.  It finishes long on a light herbaceous note.     
92 Norm Roby Nov 30, 2021

Viña Tarapaca, Valle del Maipo (Chile) Gran Reserva, Organic Wine 2018 ($18, Vinecrest Co):  Made with organically grown grapes, this is a hearty and well-balanced blend of Cabernet Franc (31%), Syrah (26%) and Carmenere (22%), with the balance filled out by equal amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s a powerhouse, to be sure, but thankfully it is not over the top.  A healthy dose of earthy savory notes balances its bold black fruitiness.  The lasting impression is not one of overt fruitiness, but rather earthy spice. It’s another good choice for hearty fare from the grill this summer.  Sadly, this broad-shouldered wine is another example of good wine, bad — unnecessarily heavy — bottle.       
91 Michael Apstein Aug 3, 2021

Santa Rita, Valle del Maipo (Chile) "Triple C" 2008 ($40, Palm Bay International): This wine takes its name from its blend of three grape varieties whose names begin with the letter ‘C’:  Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, in a 65-30-5 percent ratio.  That it is so different from a Cabernet Sauvignon wine -- lighter in body, silkier in texture and rather delicate in aromas and flavors -- speaks to the dominance of Cabernet Franc.  Red fruit and floral notes peek through in the aroma along with blackcurrants; chocolate, spice, and lead-pencil minerality emerge in the flavor.  The wine has elements of prettiness alongside elements of character, and the combination makes the wine distinctive.  Despite its age, this wine is very fresh and lively, appropriate for drinking now or aging further.
90 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Nov 11, 2014

Santa Rita, Valle del Maipo (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2010 ($13, Palm Bay International): With lots of ripe boysenberry and cassis elements, plus spice and a dash of that mouth-watering herbal element often found in good Chilean Cabernet, this is yet another stunningly good bargain from Santa Rita ($13 gets you a lot of quality here!). Another thing in this Cab’s favor is that although the fruit is forward and ripe, the wine is not overly sweet.
89 Marguerite Thomas Feb 5, 2013

Alcance, Valle del Maule (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($15, Sovereign Wine Imports):

Here is yet another Chilean Cabernet that outperforms its price tag.  More international in style than many (so lacking the herbal note that characterizes other Cabs from Chile), it nonetheless tastes very distinctive.  Rich but at the same time restrained, with a long finish and layered flavors that hint at coffee and chocolate in addition to dark fruit, it tastes classy and sophisticated.

90 Paul Lukacs Aug 18, 2009

Rosé:

Casas Del Bosque, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 ($13):  I’ve been tasting a lot of Rosés recently, and I have to admit many of them seem less than optimal — they tended to be too sweet or just plain insipid.  Prices have been all over the map, from $9 to $35, with little connection between price and quality.  This Rosé from Chile, however, was not only affordable but was also downright delicious.  A pretty pale salmon-pink in color, with engaging aromatics, this wine has enough structure, enough delicate strawberry dominated fruit, and enough acidity on the finish to be refreshing on its own and/or as good companion to food.  I’ve enjoyed Casas del Bosque recently with a range of different foods, from BLT sandwich to shrimp tacos.    
90 Marguerite Thomas Jul 28, 2020

Oops Wines, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère Rosé 2006 ($12, Schwartz Olcott imports): Very pleasant if rather simple, this dry rosé shows nice fruit that remains quite fresh despite the fact that the wine is half a year older than 2006 rosés sourced from the northern hemisphere.  The red cherry fruit shows no particular character reminiscent of Carmenère table wines, but is certainly tasty nevertheless. 83 Michael Franz Aug 21, 2007

Casillero Del Diablo, Chile (Chile) Reserva Rosé 2016 ($11, Excelsior): A bold, zesty rosé with aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry and lemon zest, with a dash of pepper coming forward in the finish.  Easy on the wallet, and easy in the glass, especially while grilling on a hot summer day.
88 Rich Cook Jun 20, 2017

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Reserva Especial Rosé 2019 ($14):  If you are one of those people who thinks of rosé as a lightweight tipple not meant to be taken seriously, try to keep an open mind and a keen palate as you taste this wine.  According to a note on the back label, “Calcu” means “magician” in the indigenous language Mapuche (the Mapuche are a group of indigenous people living today in parts of Chile and Argentina).  Lightly floral, with refreshing flavors including orange zest, tangerine and pink grapefruit, this elegant wine may indeed bring a little vinous magic into your life.     
93 Marguerite Thomas Aug 25, 2020

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Malbec Marchigüe Estate Rosé "Gran Reserva" 2020 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers):  Every vintage of this rosé has been terrific, and this 2020 rendition is no exception.  Full of fruity flavor but not sweet or obvious, it hits just the right balance point between subtlety and generosity.  There’s 10% Petit Verdot added to the 90% base of Malbec, but I don’t think that has much to do with the finished product, which excels on the strength of wise picking decisions and careful work in the cellar to retain as much freshness as possible.  The wine’s texture and vivacity on the palate is of a sort that I describe as “crackly,” which is high praise in my reviewing lexicon, and a descriptor rarely earned by rosé wines from anywhere in the world (Austria being a surprising exception).  Restaurants looking for truly fresh rosé to offer at this time of year should be looking to the Southern Hemisphere, and to this wine in particular.            
92 Michael Franz Feb 16, 2021

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Rosé "Reserva Especial" 2018 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers):  My first taste of fresh wine from the current calendar year almost always comes in the form of delicious rosé from Global Vineyard Importers, an exemplary company based in Berkeley, and this is almost always my favorite.  Yet again, this purpose-built rosé (meaning, grown and made for this purpose, rather than just hosed from a tank of macerating red) is terrific.  Very expressive in aroma and bursting with fresh fruit recalling pie cherries and ripe strawberries, it is full of flavor and fun, but also well suited to the table, thanks to very energetic acidity.  Indisputably delicious, this should be of great interest to everybody who loves rosé, and especially to restaurateurs who know how many rosé lovers are out there--and how big a factor freshness is in their love affair, which is now year-round.
92 Michael Franz Oct 23, 2018

Los Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) "Calcu" Rosé 2009 ($12, Global Vineyard Importers):

This is the best Rosé that I’ve ever tasted from Chile, and one of the two or three best I’ve tasted from anywhere in the past few years.  Since the southern hemisphere has its harvest in the first half of the year, this is a 2009 vintage, and the wine could hardly be more fresh, with vivid aromas and flavors of wild strawberries and red cherries as well as an interesting but subtle floral aroma of lavender.  Fruity but definitely not sweet, this finishes with a very refreshing edge of citrus acidity.  Think 92 points is excessively generous for a rosé from Chile?  If you still think so after trying the wine, I'll come to your house and wash the dishes after Thanksgiving dinner.

92 Michael Franz Nov 17, 2009

Viña Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Rosé “Gran Reserva” 2020 ($18, Global Vineyard Importers):  This gorgeous estate is managed with exceptional skill and thoughtfulness by Ricardo Rivadeneira Hurtado on behalf of his extended family, and I have been an unreserved admirer for more than 15 years.  This rosé is a relatively new product (at least regarding availability in the USA), and it is a serious one too, as suggested by the choice of a cork closure.  As rosé wines go — in global terms — this is notably deep in flavor and “winey,” which is a term I usually reserve for Champagnes with enough substance to tempt you to think of them as wines in a broader sense rather than more narrowly as sparkling wines.  The term fits in this instance, as the red-toned fruit flavors are substantial and the texture is rich, but still fresh.  I could easily imagine this wine getting better for a year or two after release, which can be said truly of very few rosé wines.  As an aside, this winery is the mothership of the Calcu wines, which are made from a separate site and in a different style.  The two 2020 rosé stablemates exemplify the differences quite clearly, and though I admire both of them equally, this is the one to go for with dinner, whereas the Calcu will excel as a sipping wine or a partner with light appetizers.  If my scores are off, I might be a point low for both of them.        
92 Michael Franz Feb 16, 2021

Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Rosé 2010 ($12, Global Vineyard Importers):  The 2009 rendition of this wine was among the best rosés that I tasted last year, and this successor wine is performing at the very top of this year’s class.  Purpose-built as a rosé rather than bled off as a by-product, it is taut and extremely refreshing, and actually tastes much more like a white wine than a red, despite a blend comprised of 50% Malbec, 40% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot.  Graced with a screwcap closure, this will hold well into 2011, and will actually unwind and improve for the next few months. 91 Michael Franz Jul 20, 2010

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Rosé 2020 ($13):  The aroma combines peach, dark fruit, blackberry, and spicy red currants.  A prickle of CO2 on the entry is sufficiently strong to make one wonder — is this a frizzante wine?  With flavors recalling concentrated red fruits, it is fresh, lively and sassy.  The wine is fully dry, light medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and the very slightest textural grip from minimal tannin.  It’s a rosé that strikes a terrific balance between its aroma/flavor elements and its structure.  In other words, it will satisfy wine drinkers looking for flavor as much as it will those looking for substance.  Lingering flavor and concentration point to the serious quality here.         
90 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Jul 13, 2021

Miguel Torres, Curico Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 'Santa Digna' Rose 2005 ($12, M. T. Imports): Typical of many New World Roses, Torres' Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose is darker in color and fruitier than those found in France or Spain, but it's a style that can be captivating if it doesn't come off as sweet. This one isn't dry as a bone, but it's finish is clean and the robust, fresh raspberry and strawberry aromas are very enticing. Great wine for summer grilling with loads of spice and smoke. 88 Robert Whitley Apr 11, 2006

Apaltagua, Maule Valley (Chile) Carmenere Rosé, Estate Grown 2018 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers):  After enjoying the delicacy of this wine’s ethereal pink color and its subtle strawberry and faintly floral aromas, the pungent Carmenère flavors may come as a surprise -- a pleasant surprise to be sure.  In fact there are other pleasures to be discovered here including the wine’s overall sophistication, its food friendliness and its relatively affordable price.  The winery is located in the Colchagua Valley’s celebrated Apalta region, home to many of Argentina’s most notable red wines.   
91 Marguerite Thomas Oct 6, 2020

Apaltagua, Maule Valley (Chile) Carmenere Rosé 2017 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers):  I would bet my house that this is the most elegant rendition of Carmenere you've ever tasted, and that's not merely a trick offer based on the small chances that you've ever tasted a rosé wine from that typically robust grape variety.  Even if you had done so, there chances that you've have tasted a more elegant Carmenere rosé would still be next to zero.  Very faint pigmentation offers an early indication of the restraint shown when this was made, and the fruit flavors (most closely akin to wild strawberry) are likewise very restrained but still notable.  Of course, "restrained" and "austere" are very different descriptors, and there's nothing austere about this wine...just terrific delicacy and purity, with excellent freshness.  The freshness is hardly surprising, as this is a 2017 vintage wine with a screw cap closure, but there's still something important about this aspect of the wine:  Rosé lovers will find that 2016 wines from the northern hemisphere are starting to tire long before 2017s start to become available next spring, so this is a particularly great choice to buy during the next 6 months.
91 Michael Franz Oct 10, 2017

Apaltagua, Maule Valley (Chile) Carmenere Rosé Reserva 2018 ($13, Global Vineyard Importers):  For those who love the pale, understated, elegant rosé wines of Provence when they are at their freshest in April, this is the wine that you want right now, in late October.  With quite pale color recalling onion skin, delicate aromas, and restrained flavors of wild strawberries and red cherries, this is a study in subtlety.  With that said, it can hold its own with fish or simple preparations of poultry, so don't be afraid to take it to the table or order it in a restaurant...which is where you should be finding it during the next 6 months if sommeliers and beverage directors are attentive to what their customers want (and what will fulfill their customers' desires for fresh rosés).
90 Michael Franz Oct 23, 2018

Viña VIK, Millahue – Colchagua Valley (Chile) "La Piu Belle" Rosé 2019 ($25):  Comprised of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 % Cabernet Franc and 4% Syrah, the Piu Belle Rosé is “the beach read” you can't resist.  The desire for freshness inspired the creation of the Piu Belle Rosé from an estate that also clearly holds ambitions of historic proportions.  There are hints of raspberries, red plum, and subtle floral notes of lavender and violet on the nose and palate.  It delivers soft texture, richness, and the desired mouthwatering freshness.  This is a rosé to enjoy poolside and all-year-round, but also table-side, as it will amplify the flavors of many of your favorite dishes.    
92 Miranda Franco Oct 20, 2020

Sparkling:

Dos Almas, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Brut NV ($12, Zonin USA):  Italy’s Famiglia Zonin of Prosecco fame brings us this lively sparkler of Chardonnay and a dash of Moscatel.  It is made like most Prosecco in the Charmat method which generally keeps freshness in focus.  Here, lime and grapefruit take the lead, and a soft toasty note pops up in the finish.  A good value.        
88 Rich Cook Dec 13, 2022

Miguel Torres, Maule Valley (Chile) Pais “Estelado” Brut Rosé NV ($19, Vineyard Brands):   I was at a meeting several years ago of Chilean wine producers, and the subject of Pais – the first Vinifera grape brought to the Americas by the Spanish missionaries and known in California as “Mission” – came up.  Some argued that Pais always was and still is an inferior bulk wine grape and that putting any emphasis on it would cheapen the Chile brand.  Others argued that, properly tended, Pais could be made into good, perhaps even very good wine.  The argument continues, but several producers, including Torres, have taken it up.  Whether that’s good for the marketing image of the Chile wine industry remains a question.  Here, in a sparkling wine, it does quite well.  It is  a light-to-medium weight wine of some elegance with creamy strawberry flavors and enough acidity to pull the taste through.  It is very enjoyable, and some light tannins embrace the flavors.  Quibbles?  Yes, it could be a little longer on the palate.              
92 Roger Morris Jul 11, 2023

White:

Montes, Aconcagua Costa (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Classic Series” 2019 ($12, Kobrand Wine & Spirits):  One sip of this Sauvignon Blanc is so compelling that you immediately want another taste.  With its classic citrusy/grassy flavors, roundness on the palate and savory finish this is a Sauvignon Blanc that is anything but boring.  The wine’s freshness and juicy persistence make it a tasty aperitif wine and/or partner for seafood, salads, lentil loaf and other grain-based foods.  The Montes winery, which was born in Chile in the late 1980s, is an impressive modern estate (its 800 French oak barrels are themselves impressive).  The region’s relatively cool climate plus the it’s clay and granite soils play a major role in the fruit’s development and flavors.        
93 Marguerite Thomas Nov 8, 2022

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Costa (Chile) Chardonnay "Wild Ferment 2011 ($20, Vintus): Aconcagua Costa is a subregion of Aconcagua, Chile’s most northern most premium wine growing area.  Closer to the Pacific Ocean, it is a cooler area, perfect for Chardonnay, a grape than expresses itself best in cooler climate.  Errazuriz has taken advantage of the location to making a stunning $20 Chardonnay (if it carried a Napa Valley appellation it would be at least twice as much.)  As much as I liked their Wild Ferment Chardonnay from Aconcagua, this one, from the even cooler coastal region, is…well…just better.  It’s more refined, precise and even more suave.  You want a terrific $20 Chardonnay?  This is it!
92 Michael Apstein Oct 14, 2014

Montes, Aconcagua Costa (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Classic Series” 2019 ($12, Kobrand Wine & Spirits):  Better known for its red wines grown in Colchagua Valley, south of Santiago, Montes has expanded its lineup to become a leading exporter.  It now offers several levels of Sauvignon Blanc, with the “Outer Limits” being the most expensive and herbal, leaving the "Classic Series" as its entry level wine.  Coming from several coastal vineyards areas including Leyda and Casablanca, this 2019 combines typical cool climate Sauvignon Blanc traits (grassy, lime, and citrus) without any sharp edges.  Instead, it is medium bodied with a pleasing slightly rounded mouthfeel and ends on a refreshing, long mineral note.  2,500 cases imported.    
90 Norm Roby Jan 19, 2021

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2019 ($18, Vintus):  For a winery best known for its high-end reds, this is one very impressive Sauvignon.  Stylistically, it leans toward Sancerre with its chalky, mineral personality.  Straw colored with green glints, it opens in the glass to showcase grassy, lime and orange blossom fragrances.  The tangy flavors with their mineral and flinty touches have you guessing Sancerre, but then they sweep across the palate in a richer, more powerful style.  Pleasing brisk, citrus finish.   Available in Florida and a few other markets, but well worth a special search.     
93 Norm Roby Mar 9, 2021

Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley (Chile) Chardonnay "Wild Ferment" 2011 ($18, Vintus): Errazuriz, one of Chile’s leading producers, is based in the northerly Aconcagua Valley, instead of near Santiago, home to most of the other leaders in the industry.  Their “Wild Ferment” Chardonnay has always been one of my favorites, especially at the price.  The 2011 is no different.  There are two major differences between their Wild Ferment and their other Chardonnays, one in the vineyard and one in the winery.  In the vineyard, Eduardo Chadwick, owner of Errazuriz, told me that they are looking for batches of grapes that are less ripe and will therefore, translate into lower alcohol wine.  In the winery, as the name suggests, they use only wild yeasts, which he believes add complexity.  Subtly toasty and creamy, the Errazuriz’s 2011 Wild Ferment Chardonnay impresses with its purity and grace, not overwhelming power.  Open and left in the refrigerator overnight revealed even more complexity and plenty of pizzazz the following day, a sure sign that this wine is not a flash in the pan.
90 Michael Apstein Oct 14, 2014

Cono Sur, Bio Bio Valley (Chile) Riesling 2008 ($15, Vineyard Brands): An impressive peach and apricot-scented Riesling from a country and region not usually associated with the varietal.  Because the wine carries a bit of heft, it bears more than a passing resemblance to an Alsatian rendition.  It does not, however, display notable secondary characteristics, ripe summer fruit flavor being its calling card. 88 Paul Lukacs Nov 10, 2009

Cono Sur, Bio Bio Valley (Chile) Riesling "Vision" 2009 ($14, Vineyard Brands):  This, Cono Sur’s more upscale--and single vineyard--bottling, is a fabulous value.  With flowers and fruit balanced by lip-smacking acidity, it’s bottled springtime.  The focus here is on delicate fruit--not earthy minerality--but the impeccable balance and verve carries it beautifully.  Sip by itself or open it with spicy Asian fare. 88 Michael Apstein Apr 26, 2011

Cono Sur, Bio-Bio Valley (Chile) Riesling 2006 ($9, Vineyard Brands): A very tasty Riesling at a very attractive price, this offers lovely floral aromas and fresh fruit that is generous without turning sweet in the finish.  Green apple and lime fruit notes are nicely balanced with fresh acidity. 85 Michael Franz Jan 1, 2008

Cono Sur, Bio-Bio Valley (Chile) Riesling 2006 ($9): A very tasty Riesling at a very attractive price, this offers lovely floral aromas and fresh fruit that is generous without turning sweet in the finish.  Green apple and lime fruit notes are nicely balanced with fresh acidity. 85 Michael Franz Dec 25, 2007

Natura by Emiliana, Cachapoal Valley (Chile) Gewürztraminer 2008 ($11, Royal Imports): Like most renderings of Gewurztraminer, this is a pretty flashy wine (especially in aromatic terms), and yet it is not without some elements of restraint that help to make it unusually useful.  Floral aromatics are very expressive, and the body is rich in volume and soft in texture, but sweetness is moderate, and there's enough acidity in the finish to keep the finish in tune and bring you back for another sip.  I often find Gewurztraminer tiring to drink, but this is a notably successful wine--like virtually everything in this Natura line of wines made from organically grown grapes. 88 Michael Franz Jun 2, 2009

Terrunyo, Casablana Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc El Triangulo Vineyard "Block 28" 2005 ($20, Excelsior): The most extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc produced in South America, Terrunyo is testimony to the bounding advances in Chilean viticulture and winemaking. Harvesting the grapes at varying degrees of ripeness allows the winemaker to infuse a broad palate of aromas -- from the passionfruit, gooseberry and tart citrus of New Zealand to the flinty minerality of the Loire Valley -- into a Sauvignon Blanc so complex you'll swear it's French. This is a stylish Sauvignon with a long, sophisticated finish. 94 Robert Whitley Apr 4, 2006

Apaltagua, Casablanca (Chile) Chardonnay Estate Reserva 2013 ($12, Global Vineyard Importers): Were you to taste this wine blind, you’d probably not guess that it was made from Chardonnay, but I’d bet my house that you would neither care a hoot about that nor predict that the price tag would be anywhere near as low as it is in actuality.  Highly expressive on both the nose and palate, this shows moderately ripe stone fruit flavors with accents from both the tropical and citrus ends of the spectrum.  The acidity is strikingly energetic but not overly tart, and the wine’s overall impression is exceptionally bright and fresh.  Delicious!
91 Michael Franz Jan 14, 2014

Los Vascos / Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite), Casablanca (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($14, Pasternak Wine Imports): A surprisingly delicious Sauvignon Blanc considering its relatively low price, this wine is nicely balanced between tartness and plush fruitiness. It is crisp and invigorating yet also delivers satisfying mid-palate weight.
89 Marguerite Thomas Apr 28, 2015

Lafken, Casablanca DO (Chile) Riesling Lo Ovalle 2014 ($18, Copa Fina): This is the first Riesling from Chile that I've been able to sample, and it does nothing but reinforce my enthusiasm for Southern Hemisphere examples of the variety.  Aromatically it presents white flowers, nectarine and wet stone, all of which are delivered in the mouth with the addition of lemon zest and a touch of sea spray.  It's dry and cleansing, with the lemon zest and stone lingering long.  I'm curious to seek out other bottlings after this fine example.
90 Rich Cook Aug 25, 2015

Los Vascos, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($10, Taub Family Selections):  It’s not really a 94-point wine, but I have to get your attention.  This wine shows the deficiency of using points to rate a wine. It’s spectacular in the context of a $10  bottle Sauvignon Blanc.  If there’s a more enjoyable one out there at the price, please let me know.  On its own merits, it deserves 89 points.  But given its value, it’s worth a lot more.  Consumers should not be surprised that when one of the greatest winemaking companies of the world -- Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) -- undertakes a project, the wines will sing.  And this one does. Graceful and refined, the attractive bite of Sauvignon Blanc is still present.  Absent is the lapel-shaking electricity or the herbaceous intrusion found in many other Sauvignon Blanc.  It finishes with a palate-cleansing lime-like accent.  Graceful -- it’s exactly what you’d expect from Lafite.  Ten dollars a bottle -- that’s a surprise.     
94 Michael Apstein Apr 28, 2020

Matetic Vineyards, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Coastal “EQ” 2020 ($16, Quintessential Wines):  “EQ" refers to the wine’s balance or “equilibrium.”  The Matetic estate, which is set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains, is located 13 km (a little more than 8 miles) from the ocean.  Matetic’s first vineyards were planted in 1999.  The estate made the transition to organic and biodynamic viticulture in 2002 (Matetic grapes are now all certified organic).  The dynamic “EQ” Sauvignon Blanc offers ripe, zesty fruit flavors and crisp minerality.  The site’s granitic soils, its cool nights, coastal breezes and morning fog all affect the character of this wine.  The handsome, modern winery is based on gravitational flow and has 3 underground rooms where about 1800 barrels are stored.          
93 Marguerite Thomas Jul 5, 2022

Morandé, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva 2020 ($20, International Wine & Spirits Inc.):  Morandé’s Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc’s pleasantly weighty texture makes one believe that this variety can have something important to say.  In fact this feeling persists as one savors the fruit balanced in tandem with the alcohol (13.5%) and the discreet suggestions of the French oak foudres in which it was fermented (a portion of the grapes was also fermented in cement eggs).  The vineyard is free of chemical fertilizers and herbicides.  We often tend to think of Sauvignon Blanc as a light wine but here’s an example of it flexing its handsome muscle.  Citrusy and lightly floral, it is a good companion to foods including white meats, seafood and pasta.      
93 Marguerite Thomas Aug 9, 2022

Apaltagua, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay Reserva, Estate Grown 2016 ($14, Global Vineyard Importers):  This is an unusual and very appealing Chardonnay.  With no distracting oak flavors whatsoever, the purity of fruit shines through.  Along with what appears to be a streak of minerality this Chardonnay offers good, refreshing acidity, whose crispness swirls in around mid-palate instead of bursting out on the finish.  One reason Alpatagua’s wines can be so invigorating is that the grapes come from vineyards in the Casablanca Valley, which is considered to be Chile’s cool climate valley. 
92 Marguerite Thomas Dec 11, 2018

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “20 Barrels” 2006 ($25, Vineyard Brands): I would bet that it is a tough proposition to sell Chardonnay from Chile at $25 per bottle, simple because of consumer preconceptions that Chilean wines ought to be inexpensive, except perhaps for a few high-end Cabernets.  You'd be well advised to run contrary to that way of thinking and give this wine a try, as it is absolutely delicious and quite obviously under-priced relative to its quality counterparts from around the world.  It shows good richness and depth of fruit, but the real hook for me was the intricacy of the flavors, the exceptional balance between oak and fruit, and the sort of interplay between acidity and fruit that one might expect to find in Grand Cru Chablis.  This is an absolutely top notch New World Chardonnay. 92 Michael Franz Aug 26, 2008

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Signos de Origen “La Vinilla” 2014 ($30): Emiliana is Chile’s leading producer employing organic and biodynamic methods.  The wine is so appealing, it’s worth unraveling the label.  Signos de Origen is one of Emiliana’s lines of wines that highlight the origin of the grapes -- in this case from a sector of the Casablanca Valley known as La Vinilla.  Despite the sector’s name, this blend of roughly two-thirds Chardonnay and one-third Mediterranean grapes (Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne), delivers richness and a lanolin-like texture without a hint of vanilla from oak.  Enlivening acidity in the finish amplifies the wine’s flavors and prevents it from coming across as heavy.  This full-flavored and balanced white would do justice to a roast chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce or simply grilled swordfish.
92 Michael Apstein Apr 5, 2016

Errazuriz, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2008 ($12, Vintus):

It’s hard to imagine a better value in full-bodied, oak-aged Chardonnay than this one from Errazuriz, a winery that seems to excel with just about everything it produces these days.  Though certainly rich and opulent, the wine manages to stay precisely focused, with pin-point acidity that provides balance or counter-point for all its ripe, tropical-scented fruit.

92 Paul Lukacs Jan 5, 2010

Errazuriz, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Wild Ferment” 2009 ($18):  I’m increasingly convinced that Chile is making the world’s best wines for the money--and that this is increasingly true for whites as well as reds, and for wines priced in the upper teens rather than just ones priced closer to $10.  A delicious case in point, this terrific Chardonnay from Errazuriz over-delivers in spades, showing nuanced, highly expressive aromatics, deep and persistent flavors, and a layered texture with fruit, acidity and wood elements all impressively interlaced.  From most other appellations around the world you’d need two things to get a wine this good:  $40 for starters, and even then some luck. 92 Michael Franz Sep 13, 2011

Alcance, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($15, Jackson Family Estates): Chile’s cool-ish Casablanca Valley is known for producing tasty Sauvignon Blanc wines, like this one.  The Alcance has characteristics typical of the region: tropical fruit and citrus aromas, with yummy guava, passionfruit and lime flavors.  This is one of my favorite styles of SB. 91 Tina Caputo Jul 28, 2009

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay "Natura" 2010 ($10, Royal Imports):  If more reviewers tasted blind and assigned points before knowing the identity and price of the wines they were scoring, I suspect that there would be a few more wines like this that cost $10 or less but earn scores in the 90s.  I happen to have tasted this wine twice in a single week in the midst of large flights that I was reviewing for different purposes, and in both instances it was a show-stopping standout.  Tasting rather like a delicious fruit salad in a glass, it is pure, vivid, and multi-dimensional, with all of the elements being derived from fruit rather than oak or bottle ageing.  Stone fruit as well as tropical fruit notes form the medium-bodied wine’s core, with crisp acidity lifting the finish. 91 Michael Franz Jan 25, 2011

Novas, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Limited Selection” 2008 ($17, Royal Imports): Beautifully focused, with ripe grapefruit-like flavor, razor-sharp acidity, and impeccable balance, this Sauvignon Blanc exemplifies an intense, fruit-forward style first popularized by New Zealand vintners a quarter century ago.  Today, that style is being pursued by winemakers all across the globe, with some of the most exciting examples coming from Chile.  This particular wine is very exciting indeed.  It tastes bracing but not at all tart or sour, and so is a sheer delight to drink.  Incidentally, Novas wines, produced by the Emiliana company, are made only with organically grown grapes.  91 Paul Lukacs Dec 23, 2008

Santa Rita, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "Reserva" 2004 ($12, Vineyard Brands): This is a world-class Sauvignon from Chile's premier white wine region, and, in terms of value, it is a world-beater. Strikingly fresh for a southern hemisphere wine from 2004 (and a cork-finished one, at that), it features bright, driving citrus fruit, with grassy, herbal aromas in the Marlborough style that are very expressive but not overly pungent. The acidity is very energetic but not overly tart or grating, and in overall terms, the wine is superbly integrated and complete. Impressive! 91 Michael Franz Sep 12, 2005

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Visión” 2010 ($15, Vineyard Brands):  Biting, intense, pungent, and packed with varietal character, this wine is not for everyone, but it damn sure worked for me.  Although it shows very impressive linear drive, there’s actually a surprising degree of ripeness in the fruit and more body than one might expect, so this could work not only with light, fresh foods like raw oysters but also with scallops or finfish with a dusting of herbs and grated citrus zest.  Chile seems to get stronger every year with Sauvignon Blanc, and if I were a vintner in New Zealand, this is the kind of wine that could cause me some sleepless nights. 90 Michael Franz Nov 23, 2010

Matetic Vineyards, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "Coastal" 2016 ($18): Made is a Loire Valley rather than a New Zealand style, with plenty of citrus fruit flavor but enticing secondary notes resembling fresh herbs and newly mown grass as well, this is a delightful summer sipper.  Its crisp acidity guarantees that it will prove very refreshing on a hot afternoon or evening.
90 Paul Lukacs Jun 20, 2017

Ochagavia, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Gran Reserva” 2007 ($18, Carolina Wine Brands): Offering opulent stone and tropical fruit flavors, this is a stellar example of fleshy, fruit-forward New World Chardonnay.  It avoids the twin pitfalls that bedevil so many examples of the type--overt sweetness and a flabby mouth-feel--and instead succeeds by being simultaneously lush and refreshing, a rare but truly delicious combination. 90 Paul Lukacs May 19, 2009

Santa Rita, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Medalla Real” 2006 ($17, Palm Bay Imports): A very impressive Chardonnay, this offers full fruit flavor and plenty of spicy, toasty oak, but nothing that seems excessive or ponderous.  Few Chardonnays at this price level taste anywhere near as good. 90 Paul Lukacs Oct 9, 2007

Santa Rita, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2006 ($10, Palm Bay): Don't miss this bargain-priced wine.  The pungent nose identifies the wine as Sauvignon Blanc, but it has complexity that is rarely seen at this price.  Stony nuances and balanced flavors make you think you are drinking a far more expensive wine. 90 Michael Apstein Nov 14, 2006

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2010 ($12, Huneeus Vintners):  This wine has become an annual blessing, and should be appreciated for what it is:  An affordable 80,000-case wine that's also exciting.  Chilean Sauvignon Blancs are underrated and that helps keep the price down, but this wine has fans for a reason.  It's crisp and refreshing, with passion fruit and pineapple skin notes yet without any of the blowsiness sometimes hinted at by "tropical."  This is a thirst-quenching, food-friendly wine that has become a reliable value. 13.5% alcohol.
90 W. Blake Gray Feb 8, 2011

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($12, Huneeus Imports):  Sauvignon Blanc has been Veramonte's most consistent winner since the winery opened with great fanfare in 1990. The 2010 Reserva delivers a burst of juicy grapefruit, with hints of green citrus and lemon grass. It's a first-class Sauvignon at the remarkably low price of less than $12, and sure to please whether you're merely quaffing it on a warm summer day or getting down with steamed shellfish or light appetizers. 90 Robert Whitley May 24, 2011

Archer Roose, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc NV ($12):  Fun, tasty, refreshing, inexpensive — that description pretty much sums up Archer Roose Sauvignon Blanc.  If the wine is nicely chilled that first sip is like biting into a cold, crisp apple, then citrus notes — lemon and grapefruit — follow.  It’s hard to quibble with the concept of canned wine on a scorching hot day.  Made by Spanish born vintner Luca Hodgkinson, the wine is fermented for 3 to 4 weeks then aged on its lees for several more weeks.  The vines average 20 years old. Among the conveniences here are that no corkscrew is needed, and technically no wine glass either though I, for one, prefer to sip it from a glass.  On the other hand, I was drinking it on my own patio without having had to hike several thousand feet up a hot, dusty mountain trail.  With Archer Roose you have options!  Pricing works out to about $4 per 250 ml can, which translates to $12 for as much wine as in a standard, 750 ml bottle.    
89 Marguerite Thomas Jul 20, 2021

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Vision” 2006 ($14, Vineyard Brands): The 'regular' rendition of Cono Sur's Chardonnay, which sells for $10, is very tasty, but this 'Vision' offering raises the bar.  It's richer, fuller, showing both more fruit and more oak, and while opulent is also balanced and harmonious.  Impressive, and far superior to the majority of California Chardonnays priced in this range. 89 Paul Lukacs Apr 3, 2007

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Visión" 2008 ($15, Vineyard Brands):  This wine doesn’t particularly taste like Chardonnay, and yet I find it impossible to hold that against it.  It shows such a prominent edge of citrus acidity and so much textural prickle from dissolved carbon dioxide that it seems almost as much like a Sauvignon Blanc as a Chardonnay, yet the flavors of green apple and lemon are really quite winning, with a delightfully lifted character to the finish. 89 Michael Franz Feb 8, 2011

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay "Visión" 2008 ($12, Vineyard Brands):  Among reasonably priced Chardonnays on the market, this is one of the most dependable.  Year after year, no vintage has disappointed.  The wine is full and creamy, with interwoven flavors that include lemon, peach, nuts and vanilla.  It has hints of minerality, and an agreeable, clean (rather than cloying) finish.  89 Marguerite Thomas Sep 21, 2010

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Visión” 2007 ($14, Vineyard Brands): One of two superb Chardonnays currently on the market from Cono Sur, this relatively affordable bottling offers lots of flavor but also real refinement.  Fully 25% of the barrels used for this were new ones made from expensive French oak, which is virtually unheard of for wines in this price category.  Yet the oak influence on the finished wine is admirably restrained, augmenting the fruit (peach and ripe apple) with nice touches of vanilla and spice.  Substantial yet still quite fresh, this is a terrific wine for the price and a very good wine quite regardless of price. 89 Michael Franz Aug 26, 2008

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "Natura" 2009 ($11, Banfi Imports):  Sauvignon Blanc is one of the top varieties from Chile’s cool Casablanca Valley.  This Sauvignon was tank fermented and then aged in stainless steel for five months.  The color is pale straw and the nose offers forward passion fruit and citrus notes.  Dry, crisp and citrusy, the tropical fruit flavors have good length and the wine finishes with 13.2% alcohol.  Natura varietal wines are made from organic grapes. 89 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Natura" 2009 ($11, Banfi Imports):  Natura is Emiliana’s certified organic line of value varietals. The Chardonnay was partially aged in French and American oak barrels for five months. It has a light gold color, grapefruit rind aroma and flavors with subtle mineral back notes, good texture, 14% alcohol and medium length.  There are five levels in the Emiliana collection of wines made from organic grapes: Eco Balance, Natura, Novas, plus Coyam and G, two higher priced wines that are certified organic and biodynamic. 89 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 'Natura' 2010 ($11, Royal Imports):  Emiliana’s consulting enologist Alvaro Espinoza, one of Chile’s most respected winemakers, oversees five levels of Emiliana wines, from the biodynamic “G” to  Eco Balance made from sustainably farmed grapes.  One step up from Eco Balance is Natura, made from organically grown grapes in Chile’s Casablanca Valley, noted for white wines.  This Sauvignon has not seen oak and has a very pale gold color, bright citrus and floral nose, crisp and tangy acidity, medium fruit with a subtle herbal accent, 13.2% alcohol  and a long dry finish.  Good value! 89 Gerald D. Boyd Oct 25, 2011

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Un-Oaked Chardonnay "Natura" 2010 ($11, Banfi Vintners):  Made from organically grown grapes, this Chilean Chardonnay is one of a new wave, albeit a small wave, of un-oaked white wines, mostly Chardonnay.  Natura is tank fermented at cool temperatures with a little lees stirring for added texture.  Medium gold color leads to forward aromatics of honeyed citrus peel and mineral that carry over to the flavors. The acidity is lemony tart and the finish is dry at 13.5% alcohol.  All in all, this wine is a pleasant drink at a good price. 89 Gerald D. Boyd Apr 12, 2011

Los Vascos, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($11, Pasternak Imports): I don’t have a lot of faith in inexpensive Sauvignon Blancs, but this is one that I can drink with pleasure.  For one thing it is dry and for another thing, it is not trying to emulate the New Zealand-tropical fruit style.  This is a medium-bodied white with refreshing acidity that’s enhanced by a slight prickle of dissolved CO2 when the wine is cold and freshly poured.  Aromas and flavors suggest pink grapefruit and fresh herbs.  These flavors are fresh and precise, and actually show some concentration in your mouth, and into the finish. Clean, refreshing, zesty, energetic: what I want from an inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc.
89 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Jun 10, 2014

Natura by Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($11, Royal Imports):  This delicious Sauvignon Blanc shows very fresh, broadly useful character, with citrus fruit up front but also a suggestion of white melon.  Crisp but not insubstantial, it could pair effectively with fresh oysters but also stand up to finfish dishes.  The price is more than fair, and the screwcap closure should keep this fresh for another full year. 89 Michael Franz Jul 27, 2010

Casillero del Diablo, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Reserva, 'Devil's Collection' White 2013 ($15): Casillero del Diablo is Concha y Toro's entry level brand, yet it is very capable of the occasional home run. The Devil's Collection white from the cool Casblanca Valley delivers on that promise with a crisp and scintillating blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc (85 percent) with Chardonnay and a touch of spicy Gewurztraminer. Produced in a zesty New Zealand style, this wine offers aromas of gooseberry and fig, with a hint of floral on the nose. Perfect with freshly shucked oysters or steamed clams or mussels. 88 Robert Whitley Feb 17, 2015

Concha Y Toro / Casillera del Diablo, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($12, Exelsior Wine & Spirits):  Lazy summer days lie ahead, so its time to lay in some Casillero del Diablo for easy sipping on the deck or patio.   The wine is just crisp enough to be a refreshing aperitif, and it’s a good companion for simple summer fare along the lines of seafood, sandwiches and salads. 88 Marguerite Thomas May 15, 2012

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Visión” 2007 ($14, Vineyard Brands): The entry level wines from Cono Sur are all sub-branded in a line called the 'Bicycle' range, and though they are all nice enough and quite attractively priced at $9, they don't quite light me up.  However, moving up a tier to the 'Visión' level involves not just a step but a leap in quality, and the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet offer phenomenal value.  This Sauvignon Blanc is made entirely in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation, and a cool growing site in Casablanca (just 7 miles inland from the Atlantic) results in a very intense, very fresh style.  Fruit notes of grapefruit and lime are accented with hints of dried herbs and cut grass, and very bright acidity in the finish makes this a great candidate for pairing with oysters or pasta with clam sauce. 88 Michael Franz Aug 26, 2008

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Visión” 2010 ($15, Vineyard Brands):  With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Chile’s Casablanca Valley has become a good site for white wine varieties that prefer cooler weather.  This single vineyard, Loma Roja, Sauvignon Blanc is very focused with herbal notes. Not overdone, nor with shrieking acidity, it maintains a nice edginess without being aggressive. 88 Michael Apstein Mar 15, 2011

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Visión” 2006 ($14, Vineyard Brands): Chile seems to be getting great Sauvignon Blanc in the crosshairs of its sights.  As a potentially interesting aside, while in New Zealand two weeks ago, I learned that many Chilean winemakers and interns are heading to New Zealand to work and learn (and contribute), so there may really be something afoot here.  In any case, this wine shows very lively fruit recalling grapefruit and lime, with a little white melon in the mix.  Fully ripe, with nothing notably herbal in the mix, it nevertheless shows admirable freshness and zest in a relatively generous package for a citrus-centered Sauvignon.  Great for shellfish, but also sufficiently substantial to work with lighter finfish dishes. 88 Michael Franz Mar 27, 2007

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay "Novas" 2008 ($17): Organically-grown Chardonnay, fermented half in tank and half in barrel, then half of the finished wine was aged in French and American oak.  The aroma is layered with citrus, mineral and toasted oak, while the flavors are spicy with tropical fruit accents.  It finishes with good texture and 14% alcohol. 88 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 17, 2009

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Natura” 2008 ($11, Royal Imports): Made with organically-grown grapes, this wine tastes clean, crisp, and fresh, with plenty of invigorating acidity for balance and expressive grapefruit-scented fruit.  Like many contemporary Sauvignon Blancs (led, I think, by the example of New Zealand vintners), it tempers its bracing character with a hint of sugary sweetness, so does not taste truly dry. 88 Paul Lukacs Jun 23, 2009

Los Vascos, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($11, Pasternak Wine Imports):  Los Vascos knows how to deliver.  Their 2008 Cabernet (previously reviewed) delivers more than the price suggests.  And this Sauvignon Blanc is in the same category.  It has the distinctive pungency and brightness of Sauvignon Blanc without off putting overly grassy notes. It’s edgy and bracing with good body, striking a middle ground between the electrifying style of New Zealand and the riper California Sauvignon Blanc.  The price makes it very easy to recommend. 88 Michael Apstein Aug 16, 2011

Montes, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay "Alpha" 2004 ($20, Moet Hennessy USA): The appellation Casablanca Valley, now famous as one of Chile's cool-climate coastal zones, might set you up to expect a crisp, lean, cool climate Chardonnay. This wine complies in its crispness. It is full-bodied, high in alcohol, and its aromas and flavors are of very ripe fruit -- apple and citrus -- along with butter and vanilla. Yet it has an internal crispness of high acidity that sustains its weight and richness of flavor very well. This Chardonnay is big enough to enjoy with fairly rich foods, such as grilled swordfish, roast chicken or mushroom risotto, and yet it's concentrated enough and high enough in acid to age. 88 Mary Ewing-Mulligan May 30, 2006

Montes Alpha, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2011 ($20, TGIC Importers): A bright lemony finish adds balance and a welcome restraint in this fruit-focused Chardonnay.  Hints of spice balance the lively pineapple-like nuances in this easy-to-recommend wine.  Its mid-weight character will not overwhelm so it’s as easy to sip before dinner as it is at the table.
88 Michael Apstein Sep 10, 2013

Novas, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Limited Selection” 2008 ($11, Royal Imports): This wine in the 'Novas' line is made by Viñedos Emiliana from organically grown grapes.  If you don't find that particularly exciting, you'll find plenty to like in the wine when regarding it solely on its sensory merits.  It is very fresh and crisp, but also shows some nice fleshiness in the midpalate, along with impressive depth of flavor and a very persistent finish.  It doesn't have the minerality of top Sauvignons from the Loire, or the sheer intensity of the best wines from New Zealand, but it is undoubtedly delicious and quite versatile in its own mode. 88 Michael Franz Dec 2, 2008

Santa Rita, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2008 ($12, Palm Bay Imports): Savvy consumers looking for crisp, refreshing warm weather whites would do well this year to consider Sauvignon Blancs from Chile.  Made in a vibrant, unoaked style, these wines bow to a clear stylistic model--Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand--but tend to cost a third to half as much.  Santa Rita's Reserva, made with grapes grown in the cool Pacific-influenced Casablanca Valley, is a fine example.  It fairly bursts with grapefruit and other citrus aromas and flavors, has plenty of acidity for balance, and finishes on an attractive herbal note. 88 Paul Lukacs Mar 31, 2009

Santa Rita, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006 ($11, Palm Bay Imports): This venerable Chilean producer first made its reputation inside the U.S. with inexpensive reds - mostly Cabernet and Merlot - that bucked the trend of rising wine prices in the 1980s. The portfolio has expanded considerably since then to include this exceptional value Sauvignon Blanc from the Casablanca Valley, Chile's most renowned appellation for white wines. Intense aromas of grapefruit and dried herbs deliver a delicious, somewhat pungent Sauvignon that should work nicely with steamed clams, raw oysters and light appetizers. 88 Robert Whitley Jan 9, 2007

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2006 ($7, Franciscan Estates): Agustin Huneeus, a native Chilean who ran Franciscan Estates in California for many years, was the pioneer in Chile's Casablanca Valley with his Veramonte Winery.  The Veramonte 2006 Sauvignon Blanc has piercing, minerally aromas with great acidity, and is clean, fresh, and well-balanced. It does not have the concentration of the more expensive Chilean Sauvignon Blancs, but is a super value at $7. 88 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006 ($10, Icon Estates): There well may not be a better Sauvignon for the price. Veramonte has excelled with this grape variety since the winery opened its doors more than a decade ago, and the style and quality have been consistent. The '03 delivers aromas of fresh citrus and melon, the most subtle hint of aromatic herbs, and a lively mouthfeel. 88 Robert Whitley Nov 7, 2006

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2005 ($9, Franciscan Estates Selections): This cool region between Santiago and the sea is undoubtedly Chile's finest region for white wines. Veramonte's Sauvignon Blanc takes its cue from the climate, which contributes mightly to both aromatics and firm acidty of Veramonte's Sauvignon. This is a floral wine, with pretty white fruit and citrus aromas and a long, pleasing aftertaste. And the price makes it taste all the better. 88 Robert Whitley Jan 24, 2006

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2008 ($11, Huneeus Vintners): Always one of the great values in Sauvignon Blanc, the '08 from Veramonte doesn't disappoint. The initial impression of grapefruit and peach on the nose yields on the palate to a slightly tart, pungent herbal attack that rides all the way from mid-palate through the finish. This vintage is fresh, clean and lively. And easy on the wallet! 88 Robert Whitley Jan 13, 2009

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2006 ($10, Franciscan Estates Selections): It is not quite rocket science to look at Chile on a map and figure that there must be someplace along one of its many latitudes that one could grow almost any wine grape to near perfection.  Naturally, you'd also need to hit the right altitude, but Chile has as much freedom of maneuver with this variable as it does with latitude, and in my view it is only a matter of time before Chile challenges all the world's top wine producing countries with most major grapes.  It is already getting into the big leagues with Sauvignon Blancs like this, which, with a selling price of $10, will undercut many offerings from more famous Sauvignon sources.  This shows very nice varietal character, with notes of grapefruit and ripe honeydew melon backed by accents of fresh limes, cut grass and capsicum.  The acidity is refreshing but not overly tart, and the balance of structure to fruit is excellent. 88 Michael Franz Apr 17, 2007

Casillero del Diablo, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2014 ($12, Excelsior Wines): A quaffable style, it's fruit forward in a pink grapefruit and lemon focused way, with softer acidity than its more famous southern hemisphere cousins. Serve this with light tapas -- you can splurge a bit on the food with what you save on the wine! 87 Rich Cook Oct 6, 2015

Cono Sur, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Reserva Especial” 2012 ($12): Chile’s Casablanca Valley’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean with its cooling influences has made it a popular source for lively white wines that focus on freshness.  And this Sauvignon Blanc does just that.  A grapefruit-like zing and mouth cleansing acidity makes it a good choice for this summer to accompany lighter seafood dishes.  Another plus -- it’s easy on the wallet.
87 Michael Apstein Jul 9, 2013

Emiliana, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Natura” 2008 ($11, Royal Imports):

Organic grapes from the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s best for Chardonnay.  All stainless steel, no oak, the aromatics are mineral and citrus with an unusual “herbal” note, not unlike the smell of labrusca grapes.  It’s crisp with good texture and fruit, 14% alcohol, but lacking varietal distinction.

87 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 17, 2009

Root 1, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($11, Click Wine Group): A very impressive wine for the money, this Sauvignon shows lots of varietal character without being overly pungent or aggressive.  The aromas include light herbal notes and a whiff of citrus rind, with fruit on the palate that recalls white melon, grapefruit and lime.  Vibrant acidity could be a touch too tart for sensitive tasters, but I found it very refreshing. 87 Michael Franz Feb 26, 2008

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($11, Huneeus Vintners): With most Sauvignons from Sancerre and Marlborough now priced in the upper teens (at least), Chile is moving toward securing an important slice of the wine market.  This wine is an interesting case in point.  Sourced from the cool-climate region of Casablanca, it shows a very zesty, grapefruit-driven style, with lots of acidity that is refreshing without seeming sour or overly tart.  There is a little grassiness as well, yet the fruit is ripe and the wine isn't overly pungent, much less vegetal.  Wisely closed with a screw cap for freshness and convenience, this is a consistently good wine at an attractive price. 87 Michael Franz Dec 2, 2008

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2007 ($10, Vineyard Brands): This wine is always very tasty, and the new release from the 2007 vintage is certainly no exception.  Fresh fruit aromas get it off to a fast start, with notes of grapefruit and white melon intermingled with scents of dried herbs and freshly cut grass.  Body is light, but the flavors are intense without being overbearing, and the finish is refreshingly acidic without being sour or overly tart. 87 Michael Franz Nov 13, 2007

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2006 ($10, Franciscan Estate Selections): This fresh, fun, tasty, value-priced wine is an object lesson in the wisdom of growing healthy fruit and then leaving it the hell alone. Pure flavors of white melons zested up with a squeeze of lime are the main attraction, with aromatic accents of cut grass and lemon rind. That's it, but that's plenty, and the package is sensibly topped with a screw cap to keep it vibrant for as long as possible. 86 Michael Franz Sep 26, 2006

Casillero del Diablo, Casablanca Valley and Limarí Valley (Chile) Chardonnay Reserva 2014 ($12, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): From the Devil's Cellar comes this attractively priced Chardonnay that will be easy to find across the USA, and will satisfy a range of fans of the grape.  It's brightly tropical in aroma and flavor, with just a touch of sweetness in the finish that balances a pleasant bitter note.  A tasty, affordable, cocktail style wine.
88 Rich Cook Jul 28, 2015

Terrapura, Central Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($11, Quintessential):  The name Terrapura means “pure earth,” a fitting name for this vibrantly pure Sauvignon Blanc from Molina in Chile’s Curico Valley.  Tank fermented and rested, the wine saw no oak.  Although it is nearly colorless, the aromatics are bright and forward with floral and citrus notes.  The flavors are crisp, mouth watering and packed with tropical fruit and citrus flavors.  Finished at 13.5% alcohol, this delightful value Sauvignon is great as an aperitif or with light foods. 91 Gerald D. Boyd Mar 2, 2010

Cono Sur, Central Valley (Chile) Riesling 2010 ($10, Vineyard Brands):  Virtually every Riesling made anywhere in the world is made without the expense of oak barrels, and virtually every one is released into the market early, reducing inventory expenses.  There’s no obvious reason, therefore, why really delicious Riesling costing $10 should be rare, but that is manifestly true.  Aside from the amazing 2009 Dry Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michelle, this terrific rendition from Chile is the best Riesling bargain that I’ve tasted in years.  (Third choice:  The 2009 from Cono Sur, which is still terrific, thanks in part to its screw cap closure.)  There’s a bit of sweetness in the wine, but the overall impression is one of fruitiness rather than sweetness.  Floral aromas get this off to a good start, and juicy but focused fruit with tropical notes and citrus edging drive the midpalate right through to the finish, which is lifted and bright. 90 Michael Franz Apr 12, 2011

Kaara, Central Valley (Chile) Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($12, Broadbent Selections):  A 50-50 blend of Chard and SB, this racy white has enticing aromas of tropical fruit and citrus, with a grassy note.  Fresh and well balanced, the wine has tangy flavors of lime and pineapple. 89 Tina Caputo Oct 26, 2010

Miguel Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Las Mulas” 2009 ($10, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  This lovely Sauvignon Blanc walks the fine line between pleasantly pungent and aggressively herbal.  It delivers it herbal notes with grace.  There’s no doubting it’s Sauvignon Blanc, but it doesn’t shout.  In short, it’s balanced and far more refined that you’d expect at the price.  It’s a terrific value and not to be missed. 89 Michael Apstein Oct 5, 2010

Xplorador by Concho y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($8, Banfi Vintners):  Love Sauvignon Blanc but you’re ready for a break?  Well, don’t break until you tried this bargain Sauvignon from Chile.  Xplorador is a line of value wines from Concha y Toro offering loads of fresh fruit, crisp acidity and a pleasant finish.  This 2009 has floral and grapefruit character to spare and is balanced by crisp mouth-watering acidity, a modest 12.6% alcohol and good length.  This Sauvignon Blanc is priced right for sipping or with seafood and white meat dishes. 89 Gerald D. Boyd Mar 8, 2011

Cono Sur, Central Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2006 ($9, Vineyard Brands): An excellent value in Chardonnay, this newcomer from Chile tastes of apples and pears, with a citrus-tinged bouquet.  Though not especially complex, it is bright and bountiful, and should provide very satisfying drinking throughout 2007. 88 Paul Lukacs Feb 13, 2007

Miguel Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "Las Mulas" Reserva 2019 ($13, Miguel Torres USA):  This Sauvignon Blanc, the white equivalent of Torres’ Las Mulas Cabernet, is, like the red counterpart, balanced.  It delivers a pleasant bite characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc without shaking you by the lapels.  Lively and fresh, it’s another excellent buy.      
88 Michael Apstein Mar 16, 2021

Mars and Venus, Central Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2008 ($9, The Country Vintner):

Unoaked and vivacious, this is a very enjoyable example of Chardonnay that sells for a truly bargain price.  Medium-bodied, it tastes fresh and lively, with forward citrus flavors and a satisfyingly long finish.  If post-holiday bills are taking a bite out of your wine budget these days, keep this one in mind.

87 Paul Lukacs Jan 5, 2010

Xplorador by Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2008 ($8, Banfi Vintners):  This value wine from Concha y Toro “explores” Chile’s leading varietals  from the country’s top vineyard regions.  Tank fermented and aged for a few months, this simple Chardonnay is all about freshness.  The color is light gold, with citrus rind and mineral notes in the aromatics and flavors.  It has good texture and fruit, 13.4% alcohol and a medium-dry finish. 87 Gerald D. Boyd Nov 9, 2010

Cono Sur, Central Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2006 ($9, Vineyard Brands): This is a simple but very, very tasty Chardonnay that delivers lots of pure fruit flavor without a lot of extraneous bells and whistles.  Fruit notes of peach and pineapple are vivid and fresh, with crisp citric edge that freshens and lifts the rich, ripe fruit.  Any influence from oak is virtually indiscernible, making this a very promising partner for a wide array of fish or chicken dishes. 86 Michael Franz Apr 17, 2007

Casillero del Diablo, Chile (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2015 ($11, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): Spot-on Sauvignon Blanc from this Concha Y Toro budget label.  Chilean examples of the variety are quite varied, with varying degrees of success. This is a real winner at this price point, delivering crisp citrus and gooseberry fruit with notes of stone and grass, finishing long and crisp.  It's a fine easy on the wallet refresher in a fun easy opening package to boot.
90 Rich Cook Jun 28, 2016

Casillero del Diablo, Chile (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2015 ($11, Excelsior): A solid little devil at a nice price, and just in time for Halloween -- or Dia de los Muertos.  If your weather is like mine, you'll need a white wine to quell the heat of late October while you hand out candy, and this will keep you in the spirit with its refreshing citrus, grass and stone profile.  Fresh!
89 Rich Cook Oct 25, 2016

Casillero del Diablo, Chile (Chile) Chardonnay Reserva 2016 ($11, Excelsior): A crowd-pleasing style that features peach, lemon crème, bright acidity and a medium long finish that brings a tart pineapple note forward.  This will be on some by the glass lists soon if not already.  Nice bang for the buck!
89 Rich Cook Jun 20, 2017

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2019 ($10, Taub Family Selections):  If there’s a better ten-dollar Chardonnay on the market, please tell me.  Racy and vibrant, with a touch of spice, it is delicate, but not vapid.  It has surprising weight and depth for the price.  If you’re looking for opulence kissed by vanilla from oak aging, you will not embrace this wine.  Those looking for a refreshing zippy one at a bargain price will.      
90 Michael Apstein Apr 7, 2020

Casa Silva, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 ($12, Vin Divino):  Casa Silva is a welcome addition to the American market.  Their 2008 Carménère (previously reviewed) was excellent and so is this Sauvignon Blanc.  Its herbal bite pleasantly attacks the palate rather than assaulting it.  Citrus notes add complexity.  Its suave texture and protracted finish are unusual for a wine of this price.  There’s no doubt it’s a Sauvignon Blanc, but it doesn’t scream at you. 89 Michael Apstein Oct 19, 2010

Concha y Toro, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva, Serie Riberas, "Riberas del Rapel" 2014 ($17, Excelsior Wines and Spirits): I'm quite impressed by Concha y Toro of late -- the Serie Riberas, or River Series wines represent good values.  This Sauvignon Blanc is lively and intense, with mixed citrus, mild grass and melon aromas and flavors.  It's on the tart side, but in the best way.  I like a wine like this next to fall soups that are creamy and savory.  Give it a whirl!
89 Rich Cook Dec 8, 2015

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Viognier 2010 ($10, Vineyard Brands): As easy on the palate as on the wallet, this succulent Chilean Viognier should be a regular on everyone’s summer wine list. It has aromas reminiscent of violets and honey, and it fills the mouth with a blast of juicy stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, plums). 89 Marguerite Thomas Aug 2, 2011

Los Vascos, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2020 ($14, Taub Family Selections):  Los Vascos consistently produces an excellent-value Chardonnay.  The 2020 fits that mold.  Zesty acidity balances delicate tropical fruit-like flavors in this mid-weight Chardonnay.  Those looking for the rich, buttery style should look elsewhere.  Those who want a spritely rendition will love it and its price.     
89 Michael Apstein Apr 27, 2021

Casa Silva, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 ($12):  Full of grapefruit-scented fruit with a distinctly grassy undertone, this appealing Sauvignon Blanc offers fine value.  Its appeal is its exuberance and its vivacity, as a sip brings thoughts of spring and warm days ahead.  88 Paul Lukacs Jan 4, 2011

Cono Sur, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Viognier “Bicicleta” 2012 ($12, Vineyard Brands): Viognier can be a difficult grape to vinify because the window between ripeness and over ripeness is narrow.  Cono Sur has succeeded admirably with this attractive, bargain-priced rendition.  They’ve captured the spice and floral nature of Viognier while avoiding heaviness and warmth of excessive alcohol.  Lime-like citrus notes lend an attractive, subtly bitter component.
87 Michael Apstein Jun 4, 2013

Concha Y Toro, Colchagua Valley DO (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Ribera Del Rapel Gran Reserva “Serie Riberas” 2015 ($17, Excelsior): Here's a lively Sauvignon for fans of a brightly herbaceous style.  Cut grass, hay, herb and dry earth aromas lead to a palate of bright gooseberry, lime and stone minerality with the herb elements all present through the zesty finish.  A glass of summer.
89 Rich Cook Aug 9, 2016

Miguel Torres, Curico Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2005 ($10, M. T. Imports): This affordable Sauvignon offers true varietal character, with bright citrus fruit showing intense notes of lime and grapefruit. Although sufficiently ripe to avoid tasting sour, the acidity is very assertive and refreshing. Thanks in part to its screw cap closure, this wine remains vivid and thoroughly fresh, and will provide very enjoyable drinking through the warm months in the northern hemisphere. 86 Michael Franz May 23, 2006

Miguel Torres, Curico Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2005 ($10, M. T. Imports): This affordable Sauvignon offers true varietal character, with bright citrus fruit showing intense notes of lime and grapefruit. Although sufficiently ripe to avoid tasting sour, the acidity is very assertive and refreshing. Thanks in part to its screw cap closure, this wine remains vivid and thoroughly fresh, and will provide very enjoyable drinking through the warm months in the northern hemisphere. 86 Michael Franz May 23, 2006

Concha Y Toro, D.O. Peumo (Chile) Chardonnay Ribera del Rapel "Serie Riberas", Gran Reserva 2016 ($17, Excelsior):  A unique and wildly tropical expression, with forward pineapple and guava aromas that come through clearly as palate flavors.  A stony streak joins in and keeps things from being perceived as overtly sweet, and racy acidity gives the finish a nice push, where fruit and stone blossom together. Toss this in a blind flight and watch the eyebrows rise. 
90 Rich Cook Apr 17, 2018

Viña Falernia, Elqui Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($12, Meadowbank/Empson):  Vintners in Chile have made great strides with Sauvignon Blanc during the past decade.  Prior to the turn of the century, there were only a handful of really convincing renditions, whereas now there are dozens that manage to show real depth and intensity while remaining light and fresh.  This wine certainly fits that bill, showing intense (but not pungent) aromas, fully ripe fruit recalling grapefruit and white melon, and very energetic acidity in the finish.  It provides one of many indications that New Zealand’s chief rival for the top spot in the hierarchy of New World Sauvignon is no longer South Africa but, rather, Chile. 90 Michael Franz Mar 15, 2011

Viña Falernia, Elqui Valley (Chile) Pedro Ximenez Reserva 2011 ($14): The Elqui Valley is a relatively new wine region for Chile. Located nearly 400 miles north of Santiago on southern edge of the Atacama Desert, it’s better known for the high powered spirit, Pisco. Turns out one of the main grapes used to make Pisco is Pedro Ximenez, also used in some Spanish sherries. In the hands of the folks from Viña Falernia the grape makes a straight-forward, refreshing wine with flavors of lemon zest, pear and green apple with notes of dusty, salty minerals. It’s light bodied and crisp and finishes with a hint of bitter almond.
86 Rebecca Murphy Jan 1, 2013

Agricola Grillos Cantores, Itata (Chile) Corinto “Velo de Flor” 2020 ($21, Brazos Wine Imports):  Agricola Grillos Cantores Corinto Velo de Flor is a fascinating wine.  It is not only aged on the lees but under flor — a biological film of yeast that sits atop a wine, most commonly found in Fino Sherries.  The wine displays a deep lemon-gold and despite light filtering, specks of yeast can be found floating about.  The yeasty flor notes are unmistakable on the nose, with fino-like aromas of bread, almonds, lemon rind, and sea spray intermingled with white pepper and asparagus.  It’s quite the interesting combination and not unpleasant.  On the palate, the wine is texturally smooth and rounded but driven by crisp citrus flavors and stark minerality.  This would be a lovely wine alongside cacio e pepe, the spicy minerality playing off the fresh black pepper while richness of the pasta is complimented by the citrus notes and yeasty roundness.       
91 John McDermott Oct 17, 2023

Viña Garcés Silva, Leyda Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Amayna” 2006 ($18, Prestige Chateau & Domaines): Viña Garcés Silva (not to be confused with Casa Silva) located in the Leyda Valley, a section of the San Antonio Valley, is in the forefront of the exciting Chilean coastal wineries.  Its 2006 Amayna is one of the most impressive New World Sauvignon Blancs that I've ever tasted.  Its penetrating aromas and flavors of fresh lime just beg for fresh seafood to accompany it.  It is Intense and exotic, with aromas of white flowers, great acidity but with soft texture, supple, and very well-balanced.  State-of-the-art Sauvignon Blanc. 93 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Aresti, Leyda Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Trisquel” Gran Reserva 2022 ($13):  A sub-region of the San Antonio Valley, Leyda is one of Chile’s coolest growing zones.  And this wine displays a host of cool climate attributes.  The adjectives that come immediately to mind are assertive, flinty, chalky and minerally.  Medium bodied, it offers lively flavors of lime, lemon zest and citrus.  There is also some sliced green apple fruit flavor that leads to a pleasing crisp finish.  Stylistically, this Sauvignon falls between popular one-dimensional New Zealand and real-deal Sancerre.  It is a highly distinctive Sauvignon that begs to be served with seafood.         
92 Norm Roby Jan 31, 2023

Santa Rita, Leyda Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Medalla Real Gran Reserva” 2012 ($18, Palm Bay International): If you haven’t yet gotten onto the Chilean wine bandwagon, this Chardonnay will show you that you’ve been missing.  Its lovely creamy texture and bright fresh fruitiness are reasons enough to covet the wine, but factor in the refreshingly crisp finish and impressively long aftertaste and you will surely become a loyal Santa Rita fan.  The fact that it tastes like a wine that might easily cost twice the price is yet another thing in its favor.
91 Marguerite Thomas Apr 29, 2014

Santa Rita, Leyda Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Medalla Real” 2008 ($18, Palm Bay Imports): This is a very fine rendition of Sauvignon Blanc from Chile's Leyda Valley, which is slowly gaining note as a world class source Sauvignon.  Although it shows a cool climate signature in the forms of grassy, herbal aromas and zesty citrus fruit, it is actually a rather complex wine with medium body and some ripe melon fruit notes to go with the citrus flavors.  This is light and fresh enough to pair beautifully with raw oysters while not overpowering them, but also rich enough to hold its own with most finfish dishes or lighter preparations of chicken. 90 Michael Franz Mar 10, 2009

Viña Montes, Leyda Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Limited Selection” 2006 ($12, TGIC Importers): Although better known for its red wines, Viña Montes is now making a superb Sauvignon Blanc from the cool Leyda Valley.  The 2006 Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc is dry and minerally, with aromas and flavors of grapefruit and orange.  It has very good concentration and acidity.  It's about $1.50 or $2 more than Montes' two other Sauvignon Blancs, but is clearly the one to buy. 90 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Maycas Limari, Limari Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Reserva Especial” 2007 ($23, Royal Imports): Winemaker Marcelo Papa believes that the Limari Valley is the spot in Chile for Chardonnay, and I’m certainly not prepared to argue with him after tasting this wine, which was--hands down--the best bottle of Chardonnay that I’ve ever tasted from Chile.  It features wonderfully pure fruit recalling peaches and baked apples, with very subtle spice notes from wood and amazing acidity that is very deftly concealed and balanced by the lovely fruit.  The fruit is subtle but so persistently flavorful that it stays out ahead of the acidity until very late in the wine’s finish, at which point the acidity tears through with the sort of refreshing authority that I associate with Puligny-Montrachet.  The wine is completely convincing, and a steal for $23. 93 Michael Franz Oct 20, 2009

Maycas del Limari, Limari Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Especial 2008 ($23, Royal Imports):

Chile's Limari Valley may soon rise from relative obscurity to become the country’s most renowned source for Chardonnay--though this wine and the reds from this producer demonstrate that a range of other grape varieties can excel there as well.  This Sauvignon is impressively complex, with moderately ripe fruit that shows some melon notes in the midpalate but also some crisp, excitingly acidic citrus notes in the finish.  There are also some nice grassy, herbal aromatic notes to lend varietal character, and the finish is focused and persistent.  Identical across-the-line pricing for these wines is hard to understand in light of varied production costs, and since Sauvignon Blanc is almost always the simplest and least expensive to make, $23 seems a lot to ask from Chile.  Nevertheless, if an opportunity for a bargain has been missed, it remains clearly true that the wine is worth every penny being asked for it.

91 Michael Franz May 4, 2010

Colectivo Mutante, Limari Valley (Chile) Pedro Ximenez “PX#1 2021 ($19, Brazos Wine):  Chilean Pedro Ximénez is not a variety seen frequently on U.S. wine lists, and it is why this wine immediately piqued my interest.  Sourced from a single vineyard, Colectivo Mutante’s PX#1 shows notes of melon, mango, citrus, and a slight grassy note.  On the palate the wine has a pleasant, oily texture and decent acidity.  It is straightforward, easy drinking, and would be at home on warm summer day by the pool or next to a fresh ceviche.       
89 John McDermott Aug 22, 2023

Concha y Toro, Limari Valley (Chile) Chardonnay Casillero del Diablo 2010 ($12, Excelsior):  Impressively long and multi-layered on the palate, this very affordable Chardonnay (it’s often discounted considerably) outperforms many wines costing twice as much.  Its charm is its bright citrus-tinged fruit flavors, which are enhanced by just a hint of butter or vanilla, and its admirable finish--something rarely found in wines at this price level. 89 Paul Lukacs Aug 30, 2011

Tabalí, Limarí Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Talinay” 2021 ($30, Biagio Cru):  The vines, growing in limestone-based soil located 7.5 miles from the ocean, are kept cool by the sea breezes.  The wine, enticingly pale in the glass, is soothingly medium-bodied in the mouth.  This Sauvignon Blanc rewards the palate with mineral and saline accents backed up by citrusy flavors.  While it is elegant and delicious on its own, Tabalí’s Talinay Sauvignon Blanc's true mission may be as a companion to food.           
95 Marguerite Thomas Aug 2, 2022

DeMartino, Limarí Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Legado” 2011 ($19, Opici Wines): Chile’s Limarí wine region is a coastal area well north of the now-established Casablanca region; it is an exciting area where winemakers are increasingly turning for cool-climate fruit, especially for white wines. Many aspects of this 2011 Chardonnay shout “cool climate,” from the purity and vibrancy of its citrus fruit aromas and flavors, to its crisp acidity and its not-too-full body.  And yet the wine also has some richness due to barrel-fermentation in previously-used French oak, and partial malolactic conversion.  Its concentration of fruit, its depth, its length and its viscous texture all speak to the wine’s quality, which is very impressive. This is a terrific Chardonnay in a relatively light, fresh, vibrant style that will taste delicious with grilled fish, seafood dishes, light cheeses and creamy pastas.
90 Mary Ewing-Mulligan Jul 30, 2013

Santa Rita, Lontue Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "120" 2005 ($8, Vineyard Brands): I cannot remember a vintage release of this wine that wasn't at least good, and most are very good indeed; yet this is always among the most affordable Sauvignon Blancs available from anywhere in the world. Part of this remarkable record is attributable to the fact that Santa Rita wisely keeps things simple, getting their fruit ripe but then leaving the juice well enough alone. Showing no oak, apparently bottled quite early to retain freshness, and manifestly released early while the citrus fruit is still vivid and the acidity crackly and fresh, this is zesty and exceedingly refreshing. However, the fruit was well ripened, so this won't scare anyone off with overly grassy, "cat's pee" notes. Delicious, and a superb bargain. 88 Michael Franz Sep 12, 2005

Santa Rita, Lontué Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "120" 2006 ($8, Palm Bay): Fashioned in a racy, unoaked style, this wine does not display the complexity of the finest Sauvignon Blancs, but it does deliver pure, unadulterated varietal flavor, fine balance, and an impressively long finish.  All for $8.  I repeat, $8!  It's hard to imagine a better value. 87 Paul Lukacs Jan 9, 2007

Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) Riesling “Dona Isidora” 2006 ($10, Billington Imports): Here's a pleasant surprise!  In the 19th century, Riesling vines were brought to Chile from Germany by Luis Cousino and his wife Isidora, whose name graces this juicy wine.  All Riesling and no wood, it has subtle floral aromas with nougat back notes.  The flavors are crisp, juicy and dry, showing citrus, green apple and tropical fruit notes.  The touch of bitterness in the finish is the kind of grace note that says this wine needs food. 90 Gerald D. Boyd Mar 20, 2007

De Martino, Maipo Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2012 ($14, Opici): Chile’s location, a long thin country squeezed between the natural barriers of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, is well known for their pesticide-free organic agriculture.  So it’s no surprise that we see lots of wines “made with organic grapes” coming from that country.  But it’s not the organic grapes that make us take notice--it’s the bright mixture of grassy herbal elements and grapefruit-like flavors.  It delivers a refreshing bite without being aggressive.
88 Michael Apstein Jun 4, 2013

Haras, Maipo Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($12, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates): A vibrant, vivacious Sauvignon from a country fast making a name for itself for value-priced wines in this racy style.  Though most of the best Chilean Sauvignons hail from cooler, ocean-influenced regions than the Maipo Valley (home to some of country's best Cabernets), this wine is not at all heavy or hot.  Instead, it exhibits crisp citrus fruit and tingling acidity--just the thing many of us want in a white wine as summer approaches. 88 Paul Lukacs Apr 21, 2009

Santa Ema Winery, Maipo Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc "Terroir Select" Reserva 2021 ($12, Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits):  With consumer interest in Sauvignon Blanc surging, producers like Santa Ema focusing on value wines merit close attention.  Founded in 1917, Santa Ema remains in the hands of the Pavove family with major holdings in Maipo Valley.  Light yellow with a hint of green, this Sauvignon offers light apple fruit and a touch of grassiness.  On the palate it is medium bodied and focused with fresh fruit flavors, slight herbaceousness and good balancing acidity.  A definite drink now style, but has enough substance to be enjoyed with light seafood entrees.  In some markets, it is priced below $10.        
88 Norm Roby Aug 8, 2023

Viñedos Herrera Alvarado, Marga Marga Valley (Central Valley, Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “La Zaranda” 2018 ($30, Llaurador Wines):  Herrera-Alvarado is considered the founder of the burgeoning natural wine movement in Chile.  The Zaranda (the local name for a de-stemmer) Sauvignon Blanc emits tangerine, white peach, green apple, lemongrass, and white pepper on the nose.   The aromas carry over to the palate and attain an incredible rounded richness.  The palate has citrus fruit freshness and drive, with a long and crisp finish.  Texture, fruit, and freshness combine in a most winning fashion.  
93 Miranda Franco Oct 6, 2020

Maturana, Maule Valley (Chile) Torontel "Narajo" 2019 ($35, Ripe Wine Imports):  Orange wines may be all the rage, but they are not all created alike.  The Naranjo Torontel comes from dry-farmed vines planted in 1945 in Maule, and the skins are fermented and macerated in an open barrel for over six months.  The 100 percent Torontel looks like the late afternoon sun, just barely golden, and offers an inviting aroma of apricots, grapefruit, ripe peach, and orange peel.   It’s bone dry with faint hints of spice and mandarin offset by ripe tannins and a long finish.   This wine is the perfect example of why orange wine is trending.   
92 Miranda Franco Oct 6, 2020

Tripantu, Maule Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2020 ($19):  The Maule Valley brings us this sharp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc, with aromas of fresh cut grass leading to a palate of grapefruit, asparagus and lime zest.  It’s built for bold seafood preps, and priced so you can splurge on the shellfish.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2021 Monterey International Wine Competition.       
91 Rich Cook Mar 23, 2021

Palo Alto, Maule Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 ($11, Royal Imports):  Over the past decade, Chile has been producing more and more high quality Sauvignon Blanc.  Wines like this one offer vivid citrus (specifically grapefruit) flavors, with vibrant acidity.  They are clear and focused, and while usually not as complex as the top Sauvignons from New Zealand or the Loire Valley in France, they often offer the advantage of an attractive price tag.  Palo Alto is a label I did not know before trying this wine, but one that I’ll certainly look for in the future. 89 Paul Lukacs Oct 12, 2010

Koyle Family Vineyards, San Antonio (Valle de Leyda, Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Koyle Costa, La Flor" 2021 ($18, Natural Merchants):  The estate was established by Francisco Unduarrga Vicuña in 1885.  In 2006 Alfonso Undurraga Mackenna began planting grapes on the property’s rocky slopes at the foot of the Andes Mountains.  Today, Cristobal Undurraga, who has worked in California and France (including at Chateau Margaux), is in charge.  Biodynamic farming has been practiced by the family from the beginning.  The Mediterranean climate of the Andean foothills along with the property‘s well drained clay and granite soils and volcanic rocks all influence the health of the grapes and taste of the wine.  Ninety percent of the wine was fermented in a granite egg.  With 13 % alcohol, this Sauvignon Blanc is tangy, remarkably fresh, and offers notable salinity (the sea is a mere 9 kilometers away from the vineyard).  Savory citrus notes including lime, lemon and especially grapefruit, add to the overall pleasure of this lovely wine.  The estate is certified Demeter organic.         
94 Marguerite Thomas Jun 21, 2022

Viña Koyle, San Antonio (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Costa La Flor 2021 ($18, Winc):  This shows a more richly-bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc, with the aromas and flavors of peach and ginger presenting as somewhat subdued and elegantly layered.  Saline minerality and freshening acidity drive the finish in this soothing soloist.  20% fermented in concrete eggs.        
89 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

Matetic Vineyards, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Chardonnay “Corralillo” 2017 ($20, Quintessential Wines):  Solid Chardonnay for fans of dry style and smoky oak accents.  Bright Meyer lemon, mango and papaya fruit aromas balance the oak toast nicely, and the wine manages my crisp and creamy vibe well, finishing with a vibrant balance of the nose elements.  A perfect salmon pairing foil at a nice price. 
90 Rich Cook Jan 15, 2019

Viña Matetic, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “EQ” 2005 ($18, Martin Scott): Viña Matetic has been winning acclaim for its Pinot Noirs and Syrahs, but also makes very fine Sauvignon Blancs.  Its best wines are its 'EQ' line and they're usually listed under this name in trade listings.  The 2005 Sauvignon Blanc EQ has been barrel-fermented; it is made in a rich, ripe style, unlike most Chilean Sauvignon Blancs these days.  The winery releases this wine late because it takes a year to develop its tropical aromas and flavors, mainly mango and papaya.  Paula Cardenas Sáez, the winemaker, insures me that the 2005 will age well for several years. 90 Ed McCarthy Feb 6, 2007

Cono Sur, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2012 ($12, Vineyard Brands): Cono Sur makes several wines that sport a distinctive label and that are made from organic grapes, and every one that I’ve ever tasted -- whether white or red -- has been conspicuously delicious.  I don’t know whether this is explained by the organic viticultural processes or whether there’s just a little more effort expended on these wines, but in any case, this is a generous but still fresh and delicious Chardonnay, showing juicy peach and baked apple fruit with nice balancing acidity.  Yum, and a tasty price to boot.
89 Michael Franz Sep 24, 2013

Cono Sur, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2009 ($13):  This is a special edition Chardonnay from Cono Sur, an important produce in Chile, and its special nature is that it was made from organically grown grapes.  I cannot attest to the organic viticulture being the essential element in its character due to the lack of a control sample against with to assess it, but I can most certainly attest to its delicious flavors and excellent value.  Juicy notes of peach and pineapple are exceptionally vivid and expressive, with a distinctive floral aromatic note and a juicy, fresh finish that is essentially free of overt oak notes.  This would be a superb by-the-glass pour for restaurants, as it is a virtually ideal cocktail wine. 89 Michael Franz Nov 16, 2010

Cono Sur, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2012 ($14, Vineyard Brands): This wine bears six references on the front and back labels and the capsule to organically grown grapes.  Whether it’s the organically grown grapes or just solid winemaking, this fresh and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc is a delight.  A zesty, grapefruit-like zing awakens the palate without assaulting it and balances its pure and precise fruitiness.  Its edginess might make it difficult to enjoy on its own, but it is precisely that cutting quality that makes it a perfect foil for grilled fish dribbled with olive oil. 88 Michael Apstein Oct 8, 2013

Cono Sur, San Antonio Valley (Chile) Chardonnay 2012 ($12, Vineyard Brands): Chile’s geography--a long narrow strip of country protected by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Andes on the other--explains why it’s a leader in organic agriculture, including grapes and wine.  Cono Sur trumpets that this wine was made from organically grown grapes in four places, twice on the capsule and twice more on the label, just in case you might not get it.  In contrast, the vintage is barely noticeable on the neck label.  Labeling aside, this bargain priced Chardonnay is easy to recommend because of its straightforward and engaging toastiness that compliments its bright ripeness.  Easy to enjoy as an aperitif, it has enough structure to glide through a meal.
87 Michael Apstein Jul 23, 2013

Nguilleu, Valle Central (Chile) Chardonnay Reserva 2016 ($25): Moderately expensive for a Chilean Chardonnay, this wine delivers a lovely pear note with a hint of citrus and wood spice. A platinum award-winner at the 2017 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.
92 Robert Whitley Jan 31, 2017

Santa Digna, Valle Central (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2011 ($11, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  Miguel Torres is a living legend in modern Spanish wine, and though the higher-end Torres wines from Ribera del Duero and Priorat are very good, most of the affordable offerings are still sourced from the original winery in Penedes.  They are pretty good as a group, but I find that the Torres wines from Chile are consistently much better.  I note this mostly because I suspect that many consumers think they’d be trading down when buying from the Torres outpost in Chile--when the truth is just the opposite.  The reds are concentrated and muscular in style, whereas this Sauvignon Blanc is admirably lean and refreshing, demonstrating real stylistic versatility.  Although it is indeed lean and refreshing, it is also intensely varietal in character, showing piercing aromas and driving, persistent citrus fruit.  This is remarkable juice for $11. 
91 Michael Franz Feb 21, 2012

Cono Sur, Valle Central (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($9, Vineyard Brands): An excellent value, this wine hits a very nice balance point between the lean, citrus-based style of Sauvignon and the fuller, more melon-based style.  The flavors are deep and lasting, but the finish is lifted by a zesty dash of acidity.  Quite versatile with food thanks to its symmetry, this will be a crowd-pleaser. 88 Michael Franz Feb 26, 2008

Concha y Toro, Valle Centrale (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 'Xplorador' 2009 ($8, Banfi Vintners): The search for a refreshing summer sipper stops here. Concha y Toro's Xplorador Sauvignon dials up aromas of citrus and freshly mown hay, a hint of gooseberry and zingy acidity. It is light in body at 12.6 percent alcohol, but hardly light on flavor. And it's certainly easy on the wallet. Though this is a high-volume product from Chile's largest winery, the trend line on quality has risen in recent vintages with the tide of excellent Chilean wines. Given the quality at this price, it qualifies as one of the top value whites tasted this year. 87 Robert Whitley May 18, 2010

Ventisquero, Valle de Atacama (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Longomilla Vineyard, Single Block “Grey [Glacier]” 2019 ($20, Austral Wines):  While the vines grow in the Atacama Desert, the weather here is relatively cool thanks to the moderating presence of the nearby ocean.  The 2019 hand harvested grapes were distinguished by very concentrated fresh fruit flavors, which show through in the wine.  In part the healthy condition of the fruit at harvest was thanks to the fact that there was no rain in February during the harvest period (in fact, it has not rained here in 50 years).  This is a beautiful wine to pair with just about any seafood or serve it with poultry or most vegetarian options.          
94 Marguerite Thomas Aug 2, 2022

Ventisquero Wine Estates, Valle de Atacama (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Longomilla Vineyard "Grey" 2019 ($25, Austral Wines):  This comes from 350 miles north of Valparaiso.  The Huasco Valley runs east/west at the 28th parallel through the Atacama Desert, so the coastal influence can rush in to the Longomilla Vineyard, which sits 14 miles east of the coastline.  “Grey” means glacier, so the vineyard’s river influenced soils are calcareous, and the winery reports no rain at the site in the last 50 years.  The wine is unique in profile, showing lemon, lime, green chili and sea spray aromas that translate well as palate flavors that linger through a complex finish.  Some subtle wood tones add nuance.       
93 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

Casas del Bosque, Valle de Casablanca (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “La Cantera” 2020 ($18):  La Cantera’s grapes grow in sun-drenched territory which is cooled by the coastal climate.  This luscious, mouth-filling Sauvignon Blanc presents appetite-inducing aromas and flavors that are both fresh and food friendly, bringing to mind rolling green lawns, crisp sweet apples and citrus, all tied together by welcome touches of salinity and refreshing minerality.        
93 Marguerite Thomas Jun 28, 2022

Viña Morandé, Valle de Casablanca (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Valle de Casablanca 2020 ($20, International Wine & Spirits Inc.):   This is a delicious wine that shows a fine balance between notes of fresh citrus, lively asparagus and grass, all giving the fruit lift without overpowering it.  Aged partially in foudre, its medium-bodied, textured midpalate leads to a mouthwatering finish that pulses with full integration of flavors.  It’s a serious thirst quencher, and it shows a spot-on expression of what you’d expect from Casablanca while maintaining pleasant green notes.        
92 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

Calina, Valle de Casablanca (Chile) Chardonnay Reserva 2009 ($10, Sovereign Wine Imports):  A very classy Chardonnay at a bargain price, this wine is notable for its excellent balance, with its rich apple and pineapple fruit flavors kept focused and at attention by the presence of refreshing acidity, making each sip inviting.  Many if not most Chardonnays costing twice as much are nowhere near as pleasurable to drink, making this a wine definitely worth buying by the case. 90 Paul Lukacs Aug 24, 2010

Casas del Bosque, Valle de Casablanca (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Botanic Series, La Cantera” 2020 ($18, Southern Starz):  This comes from a vineyard 11 miles from the Pacific at 820 feet of elevation in red sandy loam soils.  The relatively high elevation translates into significant diurnal temperature swings, which leads to the tighter style here, one more focused on minerality, with lively mixed citrus and faint green tones.  This will certainly befriend a plate of oysters.         
90 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

Casas Del Bosque, Valle de Casablanca (Chile) Chardonnay 2017 ($13, Southern Starz):  This sturdy Chardonnay rewards the taste buds with hints of lemon zest, apple, peach and a whiff of caramel.  The estate’s Chardonnay grapes are grown in Chile’s western Casablanca region, which is known for its cool nights and warm days.  A small amount of the developing young wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels before being blended back in with the rest of the Chardonnay.       
89 Marguerite Thomas Mar 30, 2021

Matetic Vineyards, Valle de Casablanca (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “EQ Coastal” 2020 ($20, Quintessential Wines):  I have never tasted a wine that expresses the sea as clearly as this one.  Its full throttle ocean aromas and flavors put the citrus and papaya notes in the background, and it seems to beg for ceviche as a partner.        
87 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

TerraPura, Valle de Curico (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2018 ($12, Quintessential Wines):  An attractive nose of mixed citrus, melon and mild herbs translates nicely on the palate, where a bright acid core carries the flavors through a crisp finish.  It’s a fine quenching quaff or pair for salads or seafood appetizers.  A nice price doesn’t hurt! 
90 Rich Cook Feb 5, 2019

Terra Pura, Valle de Curico D.O. (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2020 ($12, Quintessential Wines):  Finally!  Something good to say about 2020!  My "first of the vintage" wine makes me think that things might be taking a turn for the better.  It's all about tart lemon on the nose and in the mouth, and the finish brings a tasty grassy note forward.  It finishes very long, with bright mouth-watering character that will have you to the bottom in no time.  Oysters, please!    
90 Rich Cook Oct 6, 2020

Mayu, Valle de Elqui (Chile) Pedro Ximenez "Green Label" 2020 ($15, Vinum Imports):  From an old vineyard established in the 1950s for Pisco production, this rarely seen varietal is grown at one of Chile’s highest sites, at 6,300 feet.  Established in 2005, Mayu is the first winery in this northern region and makes Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenere in addition to Pedro Ximenez.  Usually abbreviated as “PX," this grape is best known for its role in ultra-sweet Sherries.  This unusual dry version is aged on the lees with frequent battonage.  Straw colored, it retains amazing fresh citrus and peach aromas.  Medium-light bodied, it offers apple flavors with a hint of chalk in the background.  It has a pleasant finish with decent acidity.  Mayu may be the sole producer of a dry PX table wine which makes scoring kind of arbitrary, so this rating is for a dry white.          
88 Norm Roby Nov 16, 2021

Leyda, Valle de Leyda (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($14, Winebow):  Sauvignon Blanc from cool areas of Chile just get better and better, like this one from the Leyda winery in the Leyda Valley.  The wine has a pale golden color and lovely herbal, lemony aromas with pure, focused flavors of peach, grapefruit and lemon.  It is light, crisp, delicious and a lot of wine for the price.  Serve it with shrimp ceviche or a fresh goat cheese.  Viña Leyda was created in the Leyda Valley before it became a recognized wine appellation.  In fact, the Leyda Valley didn’t even have a fresh water supply.  It took the help of the state and investors to create an almost five mile long aqueduct to bring fresh water from the Maipo River.  Leyda is in the larger Acongagua Valley with two vineyards, El Granita about 2.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean and El Maiten about 7.5 miles further from the ocean.  This cool-climate area allows Chief Winemaker Viviana Navarrete and her crew to craft deliciously fresh wines like this Sauvignon Blanc.       
91 Rebecca Murphy May 4, 2021

Viña Garcés Silva, Valle de Leyda (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Amayna” 2020 ($25, Vine Connections):  This wine shows a prominent pomelo vibe – think the floral side of grapefruit – and it works perfectly against the saline minerality and mild green chili pepper notes. Bright acidity delivers it all in layered, refreshing fashion from start to finish.  Pairing wise, I’m thinking a tossed green salad with red bell pepper, grapefruit sections, and a blue cheese vinaigrette is the ticket to pleasure here.     
90 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

Montes Wines, Valle de Leyda (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Limited Selection” 2021 ($15, Kobrand Wine & Spirits):  Full-throttle asparagus aromas kick things off, and they follow through on the palate, riding a stony core and tempered by tangy lemon and a little white pepper note.  It’s quite bracing, and the pineapple fruit combined with the green notes will keep your interest.    
89 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

Viña Tabalí, Valle de Limari (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc “Talinay” 2021 ($24, Biabio Cru):  This wine is sourced from glacially carved limestone slopes in a desert climate just 7 or 8 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.   Lime zest is dominant here, with evident salinity and dried herb character that makes for quite a complex mix.  The finish shows great push and harmony of all the elements.  Any seafood will work here – this is very serious wine for twenty-four bucks.    
94 Rich Cook Aug 30, 2022

Carta Vieja, Valle del Loncomilla DO (Maule Valley, Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($13, Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd.):  Loncomilla lies about 50 miles from the Pacific Ocean.  If you are there late in the day, you’ll feel the breeze that wafts in from the ocean, cooling off this very hot, sunny place.  The extreme diurnal difference (hot days, cool nights) is what makes this Sauvignon Blanc so special.  Its offering of a veritable fruit bowl of flavors — dominated by pink grapefruit mingling with tropical fruits plus a back-note of chalky minerality — is impressive.  Do not pass up this very affordable charmer.      
90 Marguerite Thomas Jan 19, 2021

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