Tasted: 2007 Casas del Bosque Gran Estate Selection Private Reserve

2007 Casas del Bosque Gran Estate Selection Private Reserve

Appellation: Casablanca Valley, Chile

About the Wine: The berries are picked individually, then ferment in 15 days in stainless steel.  The wine is aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak.   The wine is further aged in the bottle for 6 months.

Tasting Notes: Had this as part of the Wines of Chile blogger tasting.  61% Syrah, 26% Merlot, 13% Pinot Noir.  14.4% ABV.  Very pretty dark violet.  Nose is blueberry pie (!), with some floral notes.  This is a big boy.  Black cherry and blueberry, with leather and some chocolate on the palate.  A little astringent from the tannins, nice long dry finish.  Outstanding.  It’s one of those wines you can tell right off the bat is too young, but is superbly made.

Rating: 4/5

Price: $50 Suggested retail.

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Tasted: 2007 Emiliana Coyam

2007 Emiliana Coyam

Appellation: Colchagua Valley

About the Wine: The vines are planted in alluvial soil that is also loamy.  The winery is 100% organic and biodynamic.

Tasting Notes: Had this as part of the Wines of Chile blogger tasting.  38% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Carmenere, 17% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Mourvedre.  15% ABV.  Inky color, very dark.  Nose is dark fruit, oak, toffee, pine cone.  Dark fruit on the palate.  What stands out is the body and mouthfeel.  This is wonderful.  Well made. tannins are a little harsh, I think this would be much better with some age or a long decant. I think in 5 years (or two hours in the air) this is a 5/5.  Another great value.

Rating: 4/5

Price: $29 Suggested retail

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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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