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

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.