Tasted: 2008 Hacienda Araucano Clos de Lolol

2008 Hacienda Araucano Clos de Lolol

Appellation: Colchagua Valley, Chile

About the Wine: The vines here of Carmenere and Cabernet are among the last vines not to have known Phylloxera.  The soil is clay and limestone.

Tasting Notes: Had this during the Wines of Chile blogger tasting.  31% Syrah, 29% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Carmenere.  14.2% ABV.  Very dark purple color.  Nose is blackberry and dark cherry, with tobacco and some spice.  Dark fruit attack, with some chocolate, wonderful body and mouthfeel, sweet tannins, nice finish.  Probably my favorite wine of the night thus far.  The Syrah comes through; this is a big boy steak wine.  Incredible value.

Rating: 5/5

Price: $26 Suggested retail.

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Tasted: 2006 Viña Maquis Lien

2006 Viña Maquis Lien

Appellation: Colchagua Valley

About the Wine: Maquis is located between two rivers, creating a unique climate and soil.  All of the fruit comes from Estate vinyards, and is aged in French oak.

Tasting Notes: Had this as part of the Wines of Chile blogger tasting.  42% Syrah, 30% Carmenere, 12% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec.  14.5% ABV.  Dark red/violet color.  Nose is dark fruit, some spice, black olive (neat).  Dark fruit, very fresh and bright, which isn’t what I expected.  Some meatiness, good body.  Nice structure.  I think the finish is a little unbalanced and disjointed.  Very good value, though.

Rating: 3/5

Price: $19 suggested retail.

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