Emiliana ‘Coyam’ 2014, Colchagua Valley, Chile 🇨🇱

🍇 Syrah 45%
🍇 Carménère 35%
🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon 8%
🍇 Mourvèdre 5%
🍇 Malbec 4%
🍇 Petit Verdot 3%

🧐 Alcohol 14.5%

🍁 My Score 92 Points

🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

Beautiful nose with aromas of plums, black fruit, violets, wet earth, forest floor and exotic spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, earthy palate, silky smooth tannins and refreshing acidity. The finish is medium length, smooth texture with flavours of dried mushroom, vanilla, chocolate and peppery notes.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹.

Not my first experience with this delicious and well made wine from Emiliana Organic Vineyards. This time I decided to give it a few more months in bottle (purchased in March of 2018). The added cellar time has made this wine very smooth, where all elements are well integrated and where there is more savoury flavours than fruit flavours at this stage of it’s life. The fruit is all organic and definitely one of the best value red blends. Cheers my wine friends.

Viña Ventisquero Vertice Apalta 2015, Colchagua Valley, Chile 🇨🇱

🍇 Carménère 51%
🍇 Syrah 49%

🧐 Alcohol 14.5%

🍁 My Score 91%

🧩 Chile meets Australia in this blend by Chilean winemaker Felipe Tosso and Australian winemaker John Duval

🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

Very attractive and inviting nose with aromas of blackberries, plums, chocolate, clove, vanilla and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, gorgeous velvet texture, silky tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is medium length, very smooth with flavours of spicy ripe berry fruit, dried figs and bittersweet chocolate.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹

What a delicious experience! Simply a gorgeous effort by both winemakers who put this well balanced, flavourful blend together for our pleasure.  The oak is well integrated and nothing is over done, letting the quality of the fruit shine.  Definitely a wine with lots of appeal, where quality vs price ratio is well in your favour. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile

I found it interesting to taste a Petit Verdot when its flying solo. Petit Verdot is one of the five Bordeaux grapes that most often plays a supporting role, usually contributing 3% or less of the final blend. 

Dark violet in color, this Petit Verdot opened up with aromas of blackberry/ black plum fruit, exotic spices, smoky, peppery, cedar and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, full-bodied (14.5% Alc.), powerful, robust with concentrated flavors, lively acidity and a well structured tannins frame. On the finish, the length is very good, the flavors exotic, rich and tasty with persistent tannins lingering. This beast should settle down after a few years in your cellar but there is no doubt that there is a lot that will appeal to those who like them big. If Emiliana Petit Verdot was used for blending what would it bring?  In color, complexity and structure? Lots of wine here for $15.95, awesome value and strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased September 14, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (325662) at $15.95

San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenère 2010, Maule Valley, Chile

 

 

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, cassis, stewed plum, smoky and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.5%), with a nice robust, creamy texture, fresh acidity and well integrated tannins. Good weight and length on the finish with flavours of dark fruit, dark chocolate and savoury notes lingering. This is a very flavourful and concentrated Carmenère made in a crowd-pleasing style. Could be enjoyed now with any BBQ meat or cellar for 2-4 years for better integration. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 6, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (249201) at $19.95



Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Single Vineyard Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile

A pretty nose on this Carmenère with aromas of wild berries, plum, violet, tobacco leaf and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14%) with a smooth texture, vibrant acidity and soft tannins. Medium length on the finish with flavours of red and dark fruit, herbal notes with a slightly tart ending. Not overly complex but still enjoyable, definitely not a sipping wine, it is much better paired with food. Score 88 points.

Purchased July 20, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (325365) at $17.95

Erasmo 2006, Maule Valley, Chile

This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, dry farmed and all hand harvested, with ageing taking place in French oak for 18 months. This wine was bottled, unfiltered, in February 2008 and alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This wine opened up with a lovely bouquet of ripe berry fruit, stewed plums, fresh herbs, tobacco leaf, vanilla and toasty cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with rich and concentrated flavours, fresh acidity and firm, dusty tannins. This wine's finish is long, robust with great depth of flavours. I love the intensity and texture of this Bordeaux blend. The oak is well integrated at this stage and the flavours are maturing nicely. Ready to go with any red meat off the BBQ, a very good value and strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased March 30, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (311837) at $21.95

Tabali Reserva Especial 2009, Limari Valley, Chile

This wine is a blend of 74% Syrah with the remaining 14% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and alcohol coming in at 14%.

This wine opened up with intense aromatics and flavours of blueberry, blackberry, black currants, pain grillé, exotic spices, sandalwood, and gamey notes. On the mouthfeel, full-bodied, robust, well structured with flavours of dark fruit, cedar and spices, crisp acidity and considerable woodsy tannins. Very good length on the finish with loads of power, rich flavours and chalky tannins. I enjoyed this wine so much, I returned to the shop to buy replacements. This time I will wait an additional 1-2 years before opening my next bottle, it needs time to fully integrate and for the tannins to soften to provide drinking pleasure over the next 4-5 years at least. Fantastic value and strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased March 2, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (107540) at $22.95

De Martino Legado Carmenère 2010, Do Maipo Valley, Chile

This wine is made with 100% Carmenère grapes, fermentation was done using native yeast only, maturation taking place in old French oak barrels for 14 months and alcohol coming in at a moderate 13.5%.

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, cassis, underbrush, dried mint, savoury spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, intense, muscular texture, spicy black fruit and light herbal flavours, balanced acidity and firm tannins. This Carmenère has a long finish, with rich flavours and mild tannins lingering. This wine needed a little time to open up; decanting would be a very good idea since the tannins are quite aggressive at first but one hour later the wine becomes very smooth. It is better served with red meat, very enjoyable and a superb value. Score 89 point. 

Purchased January 5, 2013 LCBO New Release (236059) at $16.95

Miguel Torres Cordillera Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Maule Valley, Chile

 

 

It sure was nice to revisit this wine, previously tasted at the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival last March, where Chile was the featured country. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

This Syrah has an awesome aromatic, with aromas of cherry, blueberry, red licorice, dried herbs, violet, meaty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (alcohol coming in at 14%) with a solid core of ripe fruit, slightly spicy with fresh acidity and well integrated tannins. Medium length on the finish with good fresh energy and a silky texture. Well crafted, well balanced wine with great finesse and delicious, strongly recommended. Drinking very well right now, score 92 points.

Purchased at the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival March 1, 2012 at $35.99

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile

The deep intense purple color of this Cabernet Sauvignon opens up with aromas of black fruit, cassis, dried figs, cigar box and crack black pepper. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, black fruit, smoky and toasty oak flavours, low acidity and dusty tannins. Medium-long finish with oak characteristic and puckering, woody tannins lingering. I wish there would have been less oak and more acidity, on the palate, this Cabernet feels a bit heavy and somewhat clumsy. This wine was better on the second night, which meant  decanting would be a good idea or to cellar, mid-term 1-2 years. This wine is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc in a supporting role, maturation took place in 1st, 2nd and 3rd use oak barrels for 14 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5 %. Score 88 points. 

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (275594) at $17.95

Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009, Elqui Valley, Chile

This wine was definitely made in a style to please the North American palate. A big imposing wine, overly fruity with high alcohol at 15%. This Carmenère opened up with aromas of blueberry, ripe berry pie, tobacco, leather, cedar with savoury and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with an explosion of sweet ripe fruit covering the palate, low acidity and mild tannins. The finish is flavourful with a velvety texture and sweet. This wine was much better with food (I paired it with Indian Food) than alone after a meal. The spiciness of the Indian food with all its flavours tame the sweetness of this Carmenère. For fans of this style, it’s a great value. But for me, it felt a bit too much manipulated and overdone. Fruit is overripe, alcohol is too high and too much toasty oak. Score 88 points.


Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO New Release (90035) at $17.95

Montes Purple Angel 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile

I had an interesting conversation with a sommelier at the SAQ in Gatineau where I shop and tasted the Montes Purple Angel 2009 from their tasting bar. His opinion was that this wine was better younger and not cellar too long, he believed the wine would be fruitier and more enjoyable. Which is contrary to what I was told when I purchased the 2007 vintage of Purple Angel. I was told that this wine would be better in 4-5 years. Who is right? I found the 2009 vintage to be tight with very aggressive tannins. I had a seed of doubt in my mind so I decided to open up the 2007 vintage and explore.

This iconic wine from Montes, Purple Angel is a blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot with maturation taking place in new French oak for 18 months . An impressive wine to be sure, very catchy label, big and heavy bottle, deep purple color with robust texture and flavours. This wine opens up with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, tobacco, spices and burnt wood notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with alcohol coming in at 15%, low acidity and chewy tannins. This wine as medium length on the finish with concentrated dark fruit and toasty oak flavours. This wine got better as the evening continued, decanting would have been a good idea. My verdict, it needs another 2-3 years to shed some of its oak, to soften the texture and acquire more sophistication, finesse and complexity. An interesting and enjoyable wine but I am not sure it represents good value, score 91 points. 

Purchased November 13, 2010 LCBO New Release (062364) at $49.95 

Misiones De Rengo Gran Reserva Carmenère 2010, Rapel Valley, Chile

Certainly an interesting wine here with a blend of Carmenère at 89%, Cabernet Sauvignon 7% and Syrah 4%, with aging taking place in first and second use French and American oak barrels for 12 months. This wine opens up with aromas of blackberry, cherry, cocoa, dried herbs and pencil shaving.  The mouthfeel is medium-full bodied, balanced acidity but rustic and woody tannins. Decent weight and length on the finish with rustic and earthy flavours lingering. This wine lacks finesse, however, I think it should improve with some time in your cellar. An interesting and different selection for people who enjoy their wine straightforward and a bit rustic. Score 87 points.

Purchased on March 3, 2012 LCBO New Release (264937) at $19.95

Maycas Del Limari Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Limary Valley, Chile

This wine is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and blended with 12% Syrah, the result of course adds extra layers of flavours and complexity. Aging took place in French oak barrels for 16 months, than 8 months in bottles before release. Very robust aromatics with dark plums, blueberries, blackcurrants, cedar, underbrush, black pepper  and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, this Cabernet is medium-full bodied (with 14.5% alc.) with loads of flavour, well integrated oak, fresh acidity and firm tannins. This wine has a medium to long finish, very rich and smooth. What I like about this wine is that it can easily be paired with food like steak, roast beef or lamb or just as enjoyable on its own. Drinking well now or hold mid term 2-3 years in your cellar. Very nice wine here and strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

This wine was purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (256701) at $19.95

Montes Alpha Merlot 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile

There seems to be two different styles of Merlot produced; a softer, easy drinking, aromatic and plumy version and the more intense, darker, with plenty of oak and tannins and more age worthy. I personally prefer the softer, easy drinking style much better. Isn’t that what a Merlot is about? I enjoy Merlot with structure of course, but still want balance, with quality fruit shining through and not a Merlot which is a Cabernet wanna be.   

This wine is predominantly Merlot at 90%, with the remaining grape being Carmenère at 10%, maturation took place in French oak for 12 months. I enjoyed this wine, but unfortunately neither the nose or the mouthfeel tells me that this wine is a Merlot. Deep opaque ruby in colour, this wine opens up with aromas black fruit, coffee, tobacco leaf and earthy notes. Full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14.5%, more oak derived flavours than fruit, balance acidity and dusty tannins. Medium-long finish with rich creamy flavours. I have no doubt that quality grapes went into making this wine but unfortunately was buried in oak, stripping off the soft plumy texture of Merlot, better acidity would have also given this wine a little lift. I was expecting much better for wine at $23.30 from Chile. I enjoyed the wine, but if I am looking to drink a Merlot, this one is not for me. Score 86 points.

This wine was purchased December 2, 2011 at the SAQ (564617) for $23.30

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Maipo Valley, Chile

I have enjoyed the last several vintage of this Santa Carolina Cabernet and the 2009 vintage is the best I have had so far. Although not a very deep colour for a Cabernet, it is more like a medium ruby with aromas of dark plum, black cherry blueberry, spice oak and vanilla. The palate has loads of flavours, spiciness, with lively acidity, grippy tannins and noticeable heat from the 14.5% alcohol. Good length on the finish with robust texture and mild tannins. This year the bottle is 35% lighter than the past, a commendation to be awarded for sure. Awesome Cabernet Sauvignon for $18, great value and strongly recommended. 

This wine was purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release at $17.95.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah Mourvedre 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile

 My first observation was the appearance of this wine, a deep purple colour. The nose is a little funky with sweaty feet, earthy, sage, stewed plums and blueberry. On the palate, the elements are well balanced, acidity, tannins, alcohol with good weight as well. Concentrated fruit flavours, fresh acidity and roasted spices on the finish. I am not usually a fan of Mourvedre except when it is  a minor player  as part of a blend, such as a Châteauneuf-Du-Pape. There is nothing wrong with this wine, no wine faults for sure. But an important part of enjoying wine is the aromatics and this one is not doing it for me, not enough fruit and to much funk. Not a wine which I would buy again.

This wine was purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release at $18.95

San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile

This wine has been made in a style which will have a wide appeal and should be enjoyed by many. It is a full bodied red with loads of flavour and smooth with a spicy finish. It is a very aromatic wine with black cherry, fresh dark plums, cassis, mint, rosemary, cedar and tobacco leaf. The mouthfeel has rich texture, lively acidity and ripe tannins. This Carmenère finish is long, fresh with black pepper and underbrush. Good balance between fruity and savoury elements, very good value here, strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release at $19.95

Tabali Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Limari Valley, Chile

A compact, concentrated wine with blackberry, stewed plums, pepper, smoky and underbrush aromas. The palate is dense, sweet with balance acidity and rounded tannins. This Syrah’s finish is long, smokey, savoury and very rich. Drinking well right now, but I would like to revisit this wine in 1-2 years, as all the elements are here for this wine to gain some elegance. Maybe a bit sweet for some, but strongly recommended, especially at this price.
  
This wine was purchased July 23, 2011 LCBO New Release at $19.95.

Santa Carolina Dry Farming Carignan 2008, Cauquenes Valley, Chile

This full body gem opens up with cherry, blueberry, plums, vanilla, violet and cedar. The palate is rich with loads of concentrated fruit flavour, currant, balance acidity and muscular tannins. This Carignan finishes long, smooth, juicy and peppery. This is worth multiple purchases, price vs quality tips well in your favour. Robust wine yet approchable.

This wine was purchased May 14, 2011 LCBO New Release at $16.95