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2009
Antiyal
91
points for the Antiyal 2009! “Feels round and healthy, with depth and textural tannins. Tastes dark and sweet, with blackberry, chocolate and licorice flavors. Toasty, solid and woodsy on the finish.”
Wine
Enthusiast,
Feb 2012
Antiyal 2009 is awarded 91 points!
Wine & Spirits,
Feb 2012
2008 Antiyal
Antiyal 2008 awarded 92 points! “Juicy, palate-staining red
and dark berry preserve flavors show impressive purity and pick
up sweetness with aeration. Lively and precise on the finish, which
echoes the floral and smoke notes strongly. It's quite open-knit
now but has the depth to age for quite a bit longer.”
Stephen Tanzer's International
Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
Antiyal 2008 receives 91 points
and named one of the '12 Cabs from Chile You Must Try'!
Wine Enthusiast, June 2011
Antiyal 2008 awarded 92 points. “An
elegantly crafted wine with a pure red fruit note that runs through
from start to finish. It shows aromas of dark red berries, lilacs
and underbrush with a bright red raspberry note. On the velvet palate
it’s savory with violets, fresh red plum, and cracked black
pepper.”
International
Wine Review, October 2010
91 points! “Every year this wine impresses and scores the
same, so give credit to Antiyal for consistent high quality. The
[2008] vintage shows milk chocolate, leather and char on the nose
along with deep berry aromas. The palate is full and lush, with
cassis, cherry, berry and a light leafiness. Pure Maipo Valley.
”
Wine Enthusiast, April
2011
Antiyal 2008 is awarded 90 points and is described as having “lilac,
cedar and Kenya AA coffee notes up front, followed by firm, focused
flavors of black currant, tar and licorice root. There’s a nice
tug of loam on the finish.”
Wine
Spectator, Nov 2010
Prior Antiyal vintages
Robert Parker awards Antiyal 2007 92 points. “It proffers
a brooding bouquet of mineral, scorched earth, herbs, smoked meat,
and blueberry. This leads to a dense, savory, structured, full-flavored
offering that will unwind for several more years.”
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate
Chile-based sommelier and wine writer Margaret Snook writes about
the Antiyal 2007 on her blog, “This is one exceptional wine
from Maipo Alto. Thick deep plum-red legs dribble slowly down the
glass as aromas of rich, dark fruit waft out of it. Blackberries,
plum, prune, with a pinch of spice, licorice, and hint of leather
on the complex and heady nose. No need to stop there! It’s
lush and juicy with more plum and blackberry on the palate, with
a wonderfully long finish. The tannins are there-but nicely balanced
and sure enough of themselves to make their presence known without
stealing the show. Delicious acidity keeps all that richness bright
and juicy.”
Tasting
Chile blog, Jan 7, 2011
Antiyal 2007 receives 92+ points. “Sexy, highly perfumed
aromas of blackberry and cherry preserves, smoky herbs. Juicy, sharply
defined red and dark berry flavors are complemented by cracked pepper,
cinnamon and a kiss of candied flowers. Seductive, open-knit and
delicious now.”
Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2010
The
Antiyal 2007 is awarded 91 points. “Dark and slightly
brawny, featuring mulled plum and currant fruit liberally laced
with maduro tobacco, tapenade and charred mesquite notes. The brawny
edge stretches out on the finish, with nice buried acidity keeping
it all together.”
Wine
Spectator, Jan/Feb 2010
Antiyal
2007 “delivers a mix of herbal berry, cola and earth, while
the palate is fresh and deep, with lightly medicinal cherry, cola,
blackberry tobacco, mocha and more. Finishes rich and chocolaty,
with a rush of textbook Chilean flavors including tobacco, herbs,
olive and black fruits.” 91
points.
Wine
Enthusiast Buying Guide 2010
Antiyal
2007 receives 91 points. “Warm fruit flavors and a
lush, friendly texture.”
Wine & Spirits,
February 2010
Antiyal
winemaker Alvaro Espinoza named one of the 50 Most Influential Winemakers
in the World.
Wine
& Spirits, Fall 2004
Antiyal 2006 receives 90 points. “Concentrated ...
shows elegance, with a nearly sleek, minerally feel backed by a
lingering loamy hint on the finish. Nice underlying grip.”
Wine Spectator, Feb
28, 2009
“For
bold fruit, vigor and drive, this answers the call.”
Antiyal
2006 is awarded 90 points and is described as “a fine
mix of Carmenere, Cabernet and Syrah.”
Wine
Enthusiast, May 1, 2009
The
Antiyal 2005 has “great breadth and clarity, impressive mineral
lift and a strikingly long finish.” 92 points!
Steve
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2008
Antiyal
2005 awarded a stellar 92 points. “Lovely aromas and
flavors of blackberry, bramble, grilled meat and lilacs, with plenty
of guts, ample structure and a solid, loamy finish. Shows both polished
fruit and rugged terroir.”
Wine
Spectator, Dec 31, 2007
Antiyal 2004 receives
91 points and is called “outstanding.”
“Softly textured and forward, it delivers layers of
plush flavors with ripe tannin hiding under all the baby fat.”
Robert Parker's
Wine Advocate, June 29, 2007
Antiyal
2004 awarded an outstanding 92 points. Wine Spectator
calls it “muscular” and “rich.” “The
lengthy finish pumps out dark fruit and terroir.”
Wine Spectator, May 2007
Antiyal 2004 receives 4 stars
and is “highly recommended .” “Opulent
aroma of cassis, coffee, dark chocolate and spices. Well balanced
and delicious.”
Decanter Magazine, June 2008 |
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| Current
Apaltagua vintages
Apaltagua's
Grial Carmenere 2008 receives a stellar 92 points! “There's
high energy emitting from this jacked-up varietal. Fig, cocoa,
moss, cola and blackened fruit aromas introduce a ripped palate
of high-volume cherry, plum, berry, chocolate and hard spice
flavors.“
Wine
Enthusiast, February 2012
The December 2011 issue awarded Apaltagua's 2009 Envero Carmenère
90 points, calling it “layered,
tight and tannic on the palate, with spicy berry, herb and
olive flavors” ...
The Apaltagua 2009 Malbec was awarded a “Best
Buy.” ...
In a prior issue, Apaltagua's Signature Cabernet 2008 was
awarded 90 points and named one of the '12 Cabs from
Chile You Must Try'!
Wine
Enthusiast, Dec 2011 and Feb 2012
Apaltagua 2009 Envero Carmenère
is “jammed packed with currant, green herbs,
motor oil, licorice and mesquite grill that jumps out of the
glass. A full-bodied Carmenere, with a velvety texture coating
the palate.”
International Wine Report 2011
Apaltagua Grial Carmenère 2008 “may be one of
the best of the year. Definitely the best Carmenère
I tasted in 2011. A well balanced, rich and complex wine that
delivers exemplary Carmenère fruit flavor that persists
on the palate.” 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Chilean-Wine.com, Dec 31,
2011
Dan Berger names Apaltagua 2011 Rosé his “Wine
of the Week.” “The
delicate aroma of cherry and raspberry also has a note of
faint pepper or spice that adds depth to this chilean wine
that is fresh and food-oriented. It is dry, but not austere.”
Dan
Berger's Vintage Experiences, Jan 5, 2012
Great reviews of three Apaltagua wines from Stephen Tanzer:
* Apaltagua Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 receives 90
points. “Stains the palate with spicy red fruit flavors
and a suggestion of bitter chocolate. Finishes smoky and long,
with lingering red fruit and spice notes. Delicious right
now.”
* Apaltagua Envero Carmenere 2008: “Lively black raspberry
and mulberry flavors show good clarity and pick up a hint
of black pepper with air. Very fresh wine with good finishing
cut and spicy persistence.” 88 points.
* Apaltagua Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009: “This is
a very good value. Round and fleshy on entry then tangier
and more taut in the mid-palate, repeating dark fruit qualities.
Finishes with good breadth and a lingering note of candied
plum.” 87 points.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,
May/June 2011
Apaltagua
Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 named a “Best Buy,”
called “juicy and lively on the palate.”
Wine Enthusiast,
April 2011
“Credit
the winemakers at Apaltagua for crafting a unique and quality
wine experience, and a great value ... If you call yourself
a chardonnay lover, you really owe it to yourself to try [Apaltagua
2010 Reserva Chardonnay]. If it doesn’t sell you, it
will at the very least provide you with a reminder of what
the chardonnay grape is capable of.” 90 points.
CheapWineRatings.com, March 16,
2011
Apaltagua's 2010 Reserva Chardonnay is “packed with crisp,
juicy and refreshing grapefruit, lemon, lime and other tropical
fruit flavors. The fruit flavors were bursting with so much
crisp acidity that it reminded me more of a New Zealand Sauvignon
Blanc than a Chardonnay. Perfect for light dishes, salads
and sunny days. You gotta love that all of this lovely goodness
was not soaked in a vat of oak chips.” 3 out of 4 stars.
WineLife365,
March 2011
Apaltagua 2010 Reserva Chardonnay is one of just five wines
listed as top picks from Chile, called “an impressive
bargain.”
Food &
Wine, April 2011
Apaltagua Envero Carmenère
2008 and Apaltagua 2009 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon named Top
Value Wines from Chile. The Envero Carmenère
2008 is “ripe
and polished, with a delicious core of black Mission fig,
macerated black currant and dark plum fruit, all woven with
alluring licorice snap, black tea and roasted mesquite notes.
The long, fleshy finish lets a tobacco note take over.”
89 points
... The 2009 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is likewise “very
solid,”
with a “friendly,
juicy finish.”
88 points.
Wine
Spectator,
Nov 15, 2010
Apaltagua
Reserva Chardonnay 2009 has “plenty of fruit, vibrant acidity,
excellent concentration and balance.” 88 points. One of the
World's Best Value Wines Under $25.”
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2010
Apaltagua
Reserva Chardonnay 2009 named a “Best Buy.” The
wine “finishes
with tang and zest, and overall the wine satisfies. Smoothness
is this wine’s prime attribute.”
Wine
Enthusiast,
July 2010
Apaltagua
Signature 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is “a
tasty and elegant wine ... silky on the finish.”
Chilean-Wine.com,
December 10, 2010
Prior Apaltagua vintages
Apaltagua's
Carmenère Grial 2007 awarded 90 points. “A
complex and savory wine with rich plum and heavily toasted
oak aromas followed by velvety plum fruit flavors, lots of
spice, and notes of smoke, tobacco and chocolate. The tannins
are soft and round and the finish is long lasting.”
International
Wine Review, February 2010
“Apaltagua
Reserva Carmenère is a steal.”
Wine Enthusiast
Apaltagua's
2007 Carmenère
Envero is awarded a GOLD MEDAL and named Best in Class by
Jerry D. Mead's New World International Wine Competition in
Ontario, California.
New World International Wine Competition, May
2009
Apaltagua's
2007 Gran Reserva Envero Carmenère receives 88 points
... The previous vintage was awarded 90 points, named a “Best
Buy,” and called one of the “Top 100 Wine Buys”
of 2008.
Wine Enthusiast, May 2009
Apaltagua
(and Antiyal/Kuyen) winemaker Alvaro Espinoza named one of
the 50 Most Influential Winemakers in the World.
Wine
& Spirits, Fall 2004
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2009
Calcu
Calcu's Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 is awarded 87 points. “Dark
notes of crème de cassis, macerated black cherry and fig
paste are supported by supple tannins, as hints of spice and toasty
oak frame the finish.”
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine
Cellar, May/June 2011
2008
Calcu
Calcu
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2008: “Cherry and cassis aromas are
complicated by licorice and cracked pepper nuances. Juicy and light
on its feet, offering focused bitter cherry and cracked pepper flavors
that gain sweetness with air. The finish repeats the cassis note
and shows gentle tannins. This will be very flexible with food.”
88 points.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine
Cellar, May/June 2011
88 points and a “Best Buy” to Calcu's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
blend. “Appealing; ripe black raspberry flavors are lightly sweet,
with the freshness needed to match ripe chevre.”
Wine
& Spirits,
June 2011
“In
one sentence, chalky cherries with tender tannins! Yeah. More complex
in character than its price would indicate, Calcu 2008 can very
well carry hearty tomato based dishes, pastas and pizzas.” Three
and a half stars.
Chilean-Wine
Blog, Nov 24, 2010
Calcu Red Wine 2008 “delivers
a ravishing snootful of
intense and concentrated black currant and black cherry scents deeply
imbued with leather and dusty minerals in the limestone and granite
range threaded with bitter chocolate and smacked with a fistful
of smoky potpourri. That dust-laden mineral element increases in
the mouth, providing the backdrop for cozy, chewy tannins and luscious
black fruit flavors flecked with lavender and violets rubbed between
two hands. Pert and lithe acidity keeps the wine dynamic and quaffable.
The whole package asserts more personality than you would think
from the price. Very Good+. A Great Bargain.”
Fredric
Koeppel, BiggerThanYourHead.net, Nov 6, 2010
Calcu Rosé
Steve Tanzer crowed about the new Calcu 2010 Dry Rosé,
calling it “a racy, refreshing personality with real depth
of flavor. It will also be highly adaptable at the table, but is
quite satisfying all by itself as well.”
Stephen
Tanzer's Winophilia, July 2010
Calcu's 2010 Dry Rosé is “fresh and nervy, with
tangy citrus flavors and a touch of bitter quinine gaining strength
with air. The finish is firm, brisk and persistent.”
88 points.
Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
92
points! “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,” enthuses Michael Franz about
the 2009 Calcu Rose. “Fruity but definitely not sweet, this
finishes with a very refreshing edge of citrus acidity. Think 92
points is excessively generous for a rose from Chile? If you still
think so after trying the wine, I'll come to your house and wash
the dishes after Thanksgiving dinner.”
Winereviewonline.com,
Nov 2009
Anthony Dias Blue awards the new
2009 Calcu Rose an impressive 90 points.
Patterson's
The Tasting Panel, Sept 2009
Prior Calcu vintages
Calcu
2007 wins 89 points, called “a
crowd-pleaser”
and “One
of the World's Best Value Wines Under $25.”
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2010
Calcu 2007 receives 89 points.
“Intensely perfumed scents of cherry-cola, raspberry and violet.
Sappy red and dark berry flavors are nicely concentrated and penetrating,
with piquant minerals providing lift. At once creamy and vibrant,
with tangy mineral thrust on the back.”
Stephen Tanzer's International
Wine Cellar, March/April 2010
Calcu
2007 is a “supple,
relatively complex, full bodied blend, with moderate richness and
good balance, with light tannin on the finish. It tastes of cassis,
blackberry, toast, cedar and tobacco. Fine value.” Four
stars.
Restaurant
Wine,
Issues 133 & 134, 2010
Of
the 2007 Calcu red blend, Michael Franz writes, “This lovely
bottling from Chile shows atypical freshness and vibrancy, but also
real substance and depth of flavor. 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.”
Winereviewonline.com,
Nov 2009
Wine
writer Tom Hyland says of the 2007 Calcu, “This has plenty
of red cherry and currant fruit along with notes of red pepper.
Medium-bodied with tart acidity, this has moderate tannins and a
clean, round finish. A fine match for most red meats or stews over
the next 2-3 years. A steal at $12!”
Reflections on Wine,
Nov 17, 2009
Robert
Parker calls the dark ruby-colored 2006 Calcu “an
excellent value” and further describing it as an “easy-going,
full-flavored wine with surprising depth and length for its humble
price.”
Robert Parker's
Wine Advocate, October 2009
Stephen Tanzer describes
the 2006 Calcu as having “juicy, finely etched red currant
and cherry flavors. A kick of juicy acidity adds lift to the finish.”
88 points.
Stephen Tanzer's International
Wine Cellar, March/April 2009
The 2006 Calcu is named
a “Best Buy” and described as “juicy and good”
with a “light, fast feel” and “raspberry and red
cherry flavors.”
Wine Enthusiast, September
2008 |
| |
| 2007
Domus Aurea
Domus Aurea 2007 receives an impressive 93 points.
“The nose is heady, leathery and powerful, while the
palate is compact, bullish and tannic. A Maipo Valley gem
with length and complexity.” Named
it one of the “five best Cabs and high-end blends of
2010.”
Wine Enthusiast,
July 2011
Wine & Spirits wine writer Patricio
Tapia awards the Domus Aurea 2007 94 points.
Descorchados
2011
Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 receives 91 points!
“Blends elegance and power smoothly and finishes with
very good clarity and sweet persistence.”
Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
The Domus Aurea 2007 is awarded 92 points! “This
is a deceptive wine. It starts off with earth, underbrush
and shaved cedar aromas. Gorgeous ripe cassis fruit suddenly
erupts on the palate, along with the earth, cedar and now
a hint of smoke. And then comes the finish—long, very
long, with pure notes of red cassis and firm, mature tannins.
This is an elegant wine already, and with a little time in
bottle it will become even more so. Our recommendation: buy
a case.”
International
Wine Review, November 2010
Prior Domus
Aurea vintages
Wine Spectator awards the 2006 Domus Aurea 92 points.
“Lilting, inviting aromas of mulled mint and warm espresso
lead the way for a rich but supple palette of warm fig, currant
preserve and bittersweet licorice. The long, suave finish
lets a loamy edge play out. Old-school and lovely.”
Wine Spectator, Dec 2009
Wine writer Anthony Dias Blue
awarded the 2006 Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon an outstanding
91 points, calling it “silky and complex with
plum, spice, herbs and earth; nicely structured and long with
balance and style.”
The Tasting Panel, Fall 2009
The 2006 Domus Aurea is awarded
5 out of 5 stars. “Delicious. This is the best Chilean
cabernet I’ve tasted in a while. I didn’t need
to even let this wine breathe, it was perfect right after
I poured it. Simply excellent.”
Chilean
Wine Blog, Jan. 20 2011
Wine Spectator awards the 2005
Domus Aurea 94 points! “Dark and concentrated,
with alluring mint, cocoa powder and loam notes covering a
muscular core of dark currant confiture and warm fig. The
long, well-structured finish drips with terroir and character.
The best vintage yet.”
Wine Spectator, January 2009
The 2005 Domus Aurea receives 93 points
and is named a “Cellar Selection.” “Arguably
the best Domus to date. this wine is super-complete and remarkably
individual. It has that classic Macul-area aromas of black
olive and tobacco, but the fruit from this great vintage is
elevated and pure. Look for graphite, tar, cassis, cherry
and chocolate all rolled into one fine, ageable package. It's
cabernet from Chile in all its glory.
Wine Enthusiast, May 2009
Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 awarded 92 points. “This is a well made, classic
Cabernet Sauvignon showing dark fruit and lots of expensive
French oak.”
The International Wine Review,
February 2011
91 points to the 2005 Domus Aurea.
“This is classic cabernet with notes of chocolate and
coffee. The texture is silky and round.”
Wine & Spirits, February 2009
Stephen Tanzer describes the 2005 Domus Aurea as having
sexy red berry liqueur flavors” and calls it an “alluring
wine, with a strong echo of apricot and flowers on the finish.”
90 points.
Stephen Tanzer's
International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009
Robert Parker awards the
2005 Domus Aurea 90 points, calls it “savory, ripe and
concentrated on the palate” with “excellent length.”
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, April 30,
2009
93 points to the 2004
Domus Aurea. “Alluring, with mint, sage and warm cocoa
aromas leading the way for dried
currant, licorice, loam and coffee notes. There's plenty of
grip, particuarly for a 2004, with extra waves of currant
and mint on the lengthy finish.”
Wine Spectator, May 2008
A
superlative 94 points for Domus Aurea 2004.
Wine
& Spirits, June 2008
92
points for Domus Aurea 2003. “This is ripe and round,
yet elegant and sophisticated, bringing together red fruit,
eucalyptus, leather and fresh spices.”
Wine
& Spirits, June 2007 |
 |
A
“Best Buy” and 87 points for Gran Verano Sauvignon
Blanc 2010. “It is rare that a boxed wine scores this
well, but the Gran Verano SB is a nice, honest and clean with
ample crispness and snap; fresh and cleansing.”
Wine
Enthusiast, April 2011
 |
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|
2009 Kuyen
90 points to the Kuyen 2009! “Feels fresh and good, with plying tannins and bright acidity. Licorice and prune flavors carry the finish.”
Wine
Enthusiast,
Feb 2012
2008 Kuyen
Kuyen 2008 receives 91 points. “This wine’s
balance and purity are impressive.”
Stephen Tanzer's
International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
Kuyen 2008 awarded 90+ points. “Complex and subtle
on the attack. It’s a bit reserved on the palate at
the present with layers of spice and earth on a backdrop of
dark red fruit, finishing with ripe tannins and notable length.”
International
Wine Review, October 2010
Kuyen
2008 has “ intensity of fruit and complexity in the mouth.
A nice long finish. It feels concentrated. This is the kind
of wine you can really enjoy on its own over good conversation.”
Four stars.
Chilean-Wine
Blog, Nov 28, 2010
Prior Kuyen vintages
Kuyen
2007 receives 91 points. “High-pitched red and
dark berry aromas are complemented by deeper notes of subtle
oak spice and licorice. Offers lush black raspberry and boysenberry
flavors braced by zesty minerality. This suave, open-knit
blend finishes with strong cut and clarity.”
Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2010
Kuyen
2006 awarded 90 points. “Dark and ruby-colored,
it has an enticing perfume of pain grille, spice box, vanilla,
blueberry and black currant. On the palate, it is smooth-textured,
elegant, and easy-going. Nicely balanced.”
International
Wine Review, February 2010
The
2005 Kuyen is “smooth-textured, elegant, and easy-going.
Nicely balanced.” 90 points.
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2008
The
2005 Kuyen is “ruby red with fresh flowers, herbs and
anise adding complexity; very good depth and sweetness.”
90 (+) points.
Steve
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2008
Kuyen's 2005 receives 90
points, is described as “dark and loamy, with fig and
currant paste layered with hints of bittersweet cocoa, grilled
beef and charcoal.”
Wine Spectator, Dec 31, 2007
|
 |
| Wine
& Spirits wine writer Patricio Tapia awards the new Maquis
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 91 points in his Chilean wine
guide.
Descorchados
2011
2006 & 2007 Maquis
The Maquis Lien
2007 “is really showing thunder. Extremely well made.
Extremely good. A killer wine!” 90 points.
Wine Library
TV Host Gary Vaynerchuk, July 2011
Maquis Lien 2006 receives 90
points. “Mellow, smoky aromas of cherry, singed
plum, licorice and oak. Packs a solid punch, offering sweet
dark fruit flavors and good spicy lift. Shows an exotic floral
quality on the long, sappy, sharply focused finish.”
Stephen Tanzer's
International Wine Cellar, March/April 2010
Maquis Lien 2006 awarded 90 points.
“Excellent balance, forward, and tasty.” One of the World's
Best Value Wines Under $25.
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2010
The 2006 Maquis Lien “dazzles
with a glitzy display of big black cherry and raspberry flavors,
touched with a slight hint of sweet tobacco and red licorice
on the mid-palate that continues all the way through to its
chunky medium-weight finish.”
3 Stars out of 4.
WineLife365,
Jan 31, 2011
Maquis Lien 2006 awarded 90 points.
“The nose reveals aromas of ripe black fruit and cassis
that are mirrored on the palate with violet notes and black
pepper. The wine shows good body, round tannins and a long
and persistent finish.”
International
Wine Review, February 2010
Michael Franz of winereviewonline.com awards the ’06 vintage
91 points and names it “Wine of the Year,” describing it as
a “phenomenal over-achiever showing the complexity, texture
and overall class of a much more expensive wine.”
Winereviewonline.com, Jan 2010
In his 2010 Buying Guide,
Master of Wine and Master Sommelier Ronn Wiegand calls the
Maquis Lien 2006 “a
supple, full bodied, well balanced blend, with black licorice,
toast, cassis, and cedar aromas/flavors, and a long finish.
Excellent. ” Four stars.
Restaurant
Wine, Issues 133 & 134, 2010
Prior
Maquis vintages
Of the 2005 Maquis Lien, Stephen Tanzer says the “juicy
gently sweet red berry flavors pack good punch. Boasts excellent
clarity and energy.” 90 points.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April
2009
Wine
& Spirits magazine writer Patricio
Tapia awards the 2005 Maquis Lien 92 points and calls
it one of Chile's “top 20 red blends.”
Patricio Tapia's 2009 Chilean
Wine Guide
The 2005 Maquis has
“dark chocolate, almond candy and dark fruit, while
the palate is sizable and full of plum and dark berry flavors
... Expect power.” 89 points.
Wine Enthusiast, September
2008
Wine columnist Michael
Franz calls Maquis Lien 2004 “wonderfully earthy and
gutsy, with very good concentration and impressive depth of
flavor.” 90 points.
winereviewonline.com, April
2008
Wine Spectator columnist
Matt Kramer calls Maquis Lien 2004 “silky and almost
sumptuously flavorful.... You'd have to look long and hard
to find a richer, more dimensional, better-quality red wine
for the money.”
Matt Kramer, September 9,
2007
Maquis Lien 2004 awarded 90 points,
called “a warm, generous wine ... a classic example
of a Colchagua red.”
Wine & Spirits, October 2006
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Meli Carignan 2010 is awarded
90 points and named a “Best Buy.” “This is beginning
to show its floral notes while high-toned acidity keeps it tense
and firm.”
Wine & Spirits, Feb 2012
“Every now and then we come across something we weren't expecting
and that gets us intrigued. [Meli Carignan 2010] has the kind of
aromas on the nose that make me fall in love with a wine. It's a
beautifully balanced blend of fruit and spices.”
CheapWineRatings.com, Jan 9, 2012
“If you love Chilean wine, but you're looking for a something
a little different, [Meli Carignane 2010] might be worth adding
to your holiday shopping list. Fleshy, fresh and rich.”
WineLife365.com, Dec 16, 2011
Meli Carignan 2010 is “a medium-full wine with good acidity
and freshness and edge that makes it wonderful.”
Tom Hyland's Reflections on Wine, Sept
1, 2011
Stephen Tanzer praises Meli Carignane 2008 and Riesling 2010 wines:
* Meli Riesling 2010: “Highly expressive, perfumed bouquet
evokes white peach, orange zest and honey, with a spicy overlay.
Dry, tightly wound citrus and pit fruit flavors show good clarity
and a refreshingly bitter quality. The dry finish shows good cut
and length, with the citrus note repeating.” 88 points.
* Meli Carignan 2008: “Racy and precise, with spice-accented
redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors gaining sweetness with air.
Nicely fresh wine with good nervy bite and an echo of dried red
fruits on the finish.” 88 points.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine
Cellar, May/June 2011
The
Meli Carignan 2008 is named Dan Berger's “Wine of the Week.”
“Dark
fruits leaning on plum, pepper and a bit of sage, all wrapped in a
tart, crisp red wine that exhibits the workhorse nature of this often
overlooked grape variety.”
... The Meli Riesling 2008 is “a
delightful surprise in a dry Riesling from Chile. Apple, pear, citrus,
and pine aromas with a relatively dry finish. From 60-year-old vines.”
Dan
Berger's Vintage Experiences, December 9, 2010
The Meli Carignan 2008 is awarded 90 points. “Winemaker Adriana
Cerda has crafted a beauty here. It has a beautiful, bright medium
red color and an attractive nose of red raspberry and plum fruit.
The palate is of medium weight with good acidity and structure. There’s
an impressive purity of red fruit on the palate that carries through
to a long finish. Extremely good value!” ... The
Meli Riesling 2008 receives 87 points. “This
wine is subtly flavored, yet fresh and crisp. The nose shows light
citrus with a wet gravel note, while the palate has excellent acidity
and relatively low alcohol. Good value.”
International
Wine Review, October 2010
Meli's
2010 Riesling has a “very crisp mineral body.
A passing sweet undertone with a beautiful acidity throughout. I only
like Rieslings like this.”
Chilean-Wine.com,
March 2011
Wine columnist Patricio Tapia names Meli Carignane “One
of the Best Carignane Under $15”
and awards it four stars (excelente) in El Wikén -- Chile's weekly
food & wine supplement in El Mercurio.
El Wikén, December 3, 2010 |
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2007
Anka
Wine &
Spirits wine writer Patricio Tapia awards the Anka 2007 90 points
in his Chilean wine guide.
Descorchados 2011
Anka 2007 receives 91 points! “This wine is like a torta
de mil hojas with multiple layers of fruit, loam earth, cedar and
herbs on the bouquet and palate. The nose is a tantalizing bouquet
of forest floor and red and black berry fruit. The palate is nicely
structured and balanced with a texture woven of earth, herbs and cedar
layered on top of pure red fruit. This somewhat rustic (in a good
sense of the word) wine should become increasingly elegant as it ages.
Superb value!”
International
Wine Review, November 2010
90
points awarded to the Anka 2007. “Toasty on the nose, with hints
of mineral, dark spice, black olive and cassis. Structured, with sweet
berry and cassis flavors along with brown sugar on the finish. Easygoing
and generous.”
Wine
Enthusiast, July 2011
The Anka 2007 “reminded me of a California Meritage I had a
bit back, however the Meritage came in at $45, and it wasn’t
as good as the Pargua II. If you want to show up at a dinner party
with a wine that tastes bigger than its price, this will do nicely.”
Chilean-Wine
Blog (chilean-wine.com), Sept 4, 2010
“Made
with 100% organic and estate grown grapes, the 2007 Anka spellbinds
drinkers with its elegant and mouth filling flavors of dark fruit,
black pepper, green peppers and sweet spices; that together deliver
a wonderful and first-class finish. If there’s a flaw to be
found in the 2007 Anka Pargua II, it’s the fact that only 2,500
cases were produced of this exceptional red wine. 4 Stars out of 4
stars. It’s by far the best organic red wine that I’ve
tried so far in 2010, and it represents a wickedly outstanding value
for a limited-production wine.”
winelife365.com,
Oct 2010
Pargua & Pargua II (now Anka)
Wine
& Spirits wine writer Patricio Tapia awards the Pargua 2007 92
points in his Chilean wine guide.
Descorchados 2011
The
Wine Advocate awards
an impressive 91 points to Pargua II 2006. “Already complex,
with another 3-4 years in the bottle to blossom, it will provide exceptional
drinking.”
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate, April 30, 2009
Pargua
2006 shows “an
aromatic array of cedar, spice, vanilla and black currant. With good
depth of flavor and excellent balance, this lengthy effort will drink
well up to 2018.”
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate, Fall 2009
The
2006 Pargua is a “very warm, rich and smooth wine with a ton
of extract, tobacco, moss and meatiness. If super rich is your thing,
then Pargua was made for you. It oozes black cherry, cassis and buttered
cookie flavors, while the finish is like chocolate brownies and another
helping of butter.”
Wine Enthusiast, July 2009
Pargua 2006 is rated Excellent in Ronn Wiegand's 2010
Buying Guide. “Supple,
complex, ripely flavored, and well balanced, with a very long finish,
tasting of black currant, black licorice, vanilla, roasted nut, spicy
oak, and black cherry.”
Restaurant Wine, Issue #129
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Peñalolén's
brand new Cabernet Franc 2008
is awarded 90 points! “Firm acidity focuses the cool black fruit flavor.”
Wine
& Spirits, Feb 2012
Wine
expert Anthony Dias Blue awards Peñalolén's Cabernet
Sauvignon 2009 an impressive 90
points.
Tasting
Panel
89
points and a “Best Buy” awarded to the Peñalolén Sauvignon
Blanc 2011. “Well cut and elegant. The epitome of a zesty Chilean
white wine.”
Wine
Enthusiast,
Feb 2012
Peñalolén's
2011 Sauvignon Blanc is Dan Berger's “Bargain of the Week.” He calls
it a “Great value!” with “superb balance; great mid-palate presence
and classic dry finish.”
Dan
Berger's Vintage Experiences, Dec 2011
2010
Peñalolén
Sauvignon & 2008 Cabernet
Great reviews of two Penalolen wines from Stephen Tanzer:
* The Penalolen Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 has “powerful aromas
of cherry, dried flowers, licorice and mint, plus a touch of woodsmoke.
Then broad and creamy on the palate, offering gently sweet red berry
and cherry flavors and slow-mounting spiciness. The finish shows subtle
sweetness and good tannic grip; this is still quite youthful but shows
good promise.” 89 points.
* “I like [Penalolen Sauvignon Blanc 2010]'s balance. Nervy
and precise, showing tangy orange and quince flavors and an herbal
quality on the back half. Exhibits a hint of honey on the finish,
which leaves bitter citrus pith and tarragon notes behind.”
88 points.
Stephen Tanzer's International
Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
Peñalolén 2010 Sauvignon Blanc “offers
good herb and citrus peel notes, followed by a fresh finish. An herb
edge lingers too, with a nice mouthwatering hint.”
Wine
Spectator, Feb 2011
The
Peñalolén 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is named
a “Best Buy. It's hard to do better.”
Wine
Enthusiast, June 2011
Peñalolén's
2010 Sauvignon Blanc is “bright and racy with lovely pure citrus fruit,
crisp acidity and smooth texture; clean and lively with balance and
good length.” 89
points.
The
Tasting Panel, June 2011
Peñalolén Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 is “fleshy and balanced, displaying good dark currant and mulled
plum fruit backed by a broad, toast– and loam-filled finish.” 88
points.
Wine
Spectator, Nov 2010
“The
2010 Penalolen Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant and lively Chilean Sauvignon
Blanc, possessing a tropical mountain of tangy grapefruit and lime
flavors. 3 out of 4 stars.”
Mark
Walker, WineLife365.com
Peñalolén
Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 has “red fruits, good depth and concentration.”
One of the World's Best Value Wines Under $25.
Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2010
Peñalolén's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
is “classic Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and an excellent value,
too. The palate is juicy with flavors of earth, oak barrique, and
ripe plum fruit. Taken all together, this is very good wine for the
money. 89 points.”
International
Wine Review, October 2010
Prior Peñalolén
vintages
Stephen Tanzer praises both Peñalolén varietals. Of
the Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Tanzer says: “Sappy, nicely focused
red fruit flavors become spicier with air and are supported by tangy
acidity. Finishes with good nervy persistence. 88+ points.”
About the Sauvignon Blanc 2009, he writes, “Dry, racy focused
citrus and herb flavors offer a light touch but pick up sweeter fruit
in the middle palate. 88 points.”
Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2010
In his 2010 Buying Guide, Master of Wine
and Master Sommelier Ronn Wiegand calls the 2009 Peñalolén
Sauvignon Blanc “excellent.”
“Somewhat
herbal and fruity in style, this is a full bodied Sauvignon, with
a crisp finish, and grapefruit, sage, orange blossom, and lemon grass
aromas/flavors.” Four stars.
Restaurant Wine,
Issues 133 & 134, 2010
Peñalolén's
2007 Cabernet has a “lush attack” with “well
managed tannins and a long finish.”
89 points.
International
Wine Review, February 2010
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The
Ricardo Santos 2010 Semillon is a “serious
white wine. A very nicely balanced wine of considerable charm. Especially
recommended for those looking for something different and special
in a white wine at a very accessible price.” 89 points.
I-Wine
Review, Sept 17, 2011
The 2009 Ricardo Santos Malbec is “crazy
delicious ... my wife and were equally knocked out. I detected a
massive earthy, herbaceous component, joined by an equally weighty
burst of sweet, dark fruit that produced a long, elegant finish.”
WineLife365,
July 27, 2011
91
points to the Ricardo Santos Malbec!
“There is a select group of under-$20 Malbecs from Argentina
that really do the country and the variety proud. Santos is one
of them; the 2006 is easy and ripe on the nose, with lovely cola,
berry and herb aromas. The palate has a natural feel and bright
black-fruit flavors.”
Wine Enthusiast, August
2008
Ricardo Santos Semillon 2009 has a “racy core
of tangerine, beeswax and heather. Lingering note of jasmine. A
nice, stylish change of pace.”
Wine
Spectator, Nov 2010
Ricardo Santos Malbec 2008 has “earthy
berry fruit notes ... The
palate is plump and full, with chunky, thick flavors of black fruit
that are nice.” 89 points.
Wine Enthusiast, July 2010
In international competition, the
2006 Ricardo Santos Malbec was awarded 92 points and given a Gold
Medal. “Exceptional!” raved reviewers.
Beverage Tasting Institute 2008 World Wine
Championships
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Tercos Malbec 2009 is Dan Berger's “Bargain of the Week.”
It has “nice bright blueberry fruit, a trace of new mown hay, and
a note of pomegranate. Richer in the mid-palate than many wines
priced this low” ... The Tercos Torrontés 2010 is also named
a “Bargain of the Week,” called an “amazing Gerwurz look-alike,
with wild spice. dry, broad mid-palate and perfectly suited for
curry and other Asian dishes.”
Dan
Berger's Vintage Experiences, Dec 6 & 15, 2011
Tercos
Torrontes 2010 is “bright, snappy and charming.”
Wall
Street Journal, May 2011
Tercos Malbec 2008 is named a 'Best Buy' and said to deliver “a
good dose of freshness.” 88 points.
Wine & Spirits, June 2011
Tercos Torrontes 2009 is “fresh, with nice zip to the lemon
verbena, white peach and tangerine notes.”
Wine Spectator, Nov 2010
Donald Winkler at iwinereview found three Tercos wines very good
values. “
The 2008 Bonarda is “an easy drinking, unoaked wine ... It
shows more complexity than one expects at this price point. Many,
many people will like this wine. A great value at this price!“The
2009 Torrontes is a “pleasing apertif-style wine that is best
served well-chilled.“ The 2008 Sangiovese is “fresh
on the nose and soft and mellow on the palate showing light red
fruit flavors and good acidity.
iwinereview.com, Fall 2010
The
2008 Tercos Bonarda has “a dark, smoky, almost brooding nose
with strong hints of smoldering campfire. This full-bodied wine
has exceptionally smooth, silky tannins, with a nice dry finish
and a deliciousness factor that is a little uncommon in earthy wines.
Additionally, there is a depth of flavor and complexity that is
very rare in a $12 wine. The 2008 Tercos Bonarda was easily the
wine of the night and may be one of the best under $15 wines I’ve
had in a long time“ ... The 2008 Tercos Sangiovese has “
strong spice notes with a hit of hot red pepper. The flavor starts
with a tart, dried cranberry and develops into a peppered beef jerky
finish.“
chilean-wine.com, Sept 4, 2010
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Three
great write-ups on William Cole in the December issue of Wine
Spectator:
* The William Cole Columbine Special Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 is
“forward, with crushed cherry and plum fruit laced with toasty spice
notes. The toasty edge lasts through the fleshy finish.”
* The
Albamar Pinot Noir 2010 is “sleek, with fresh cherry and red currant
fruit laced with a subtle vanilla streak. Ends with a bright finish.”
* The Columbine Cabernet Sauvignon is a
“solid,
fruit-driven red with notes of cherry and black raspberry woven
with hints of smoke and wild herb on the floral finish.”
Wine
Spectator, Dec 31, 2011
William Cole Columbine Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010 “has beautiful
varietal aromas. Acidity keeps the wine fresh and overall the wine
has a delicate feel on the palate, while still displaying nice texture.
There's an awful lot of character for the money. Well done Mr. Cole!”
Tom
Hyland's Reflections on Wine, Sept 1
William Cole's Columbine Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Albamar
Sauvignon Blanc both awarded 90 points by Wine &
Spirits!
* The 2010 Albamar Sauvignon Blanc is named a “Best
Buy ... Sea bass ceviche would match the acidity and mineral freshness
of this sauvignon. Everything seems to be citrus here, and time
in the glass doesn't diminish the wine's spark and vibrant flavors.”
90 points.
* The Columbine Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 is featured among the “Year's
Best Chilean Reds.”
90 points.
Wine & Spirits Magazine,
February 2011
Stephen Tanzer praises two William Cole wines:
* Albamar Chardonnay 2009: “Honeydew melon, nectarine and
orange on the nose. Displays a strong fruit salad quality, along
with a lively citrus character. Dry and minty on the finish, which
leaves bitter notes of orange zest and pear skin behind.”
88 points.
* Albamar Sauvignon Blanc 2010: “Lemon
gelato, white flowers and orange zest on the highly fragrant nose.
Dry on entry and then a juicier mid-palate, offering sappy orchard
fruit flavors. Offers good clarity and energy.”
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine
Cellar, May/June 2011
In
the World's Best Value Wines Under $25 issue, Robert Parker calls
out several William Cole wines:
* Columbine Sauvignon Blanc 2009 is “concentrated, with a
pure finish. A classy Sauvignon Blanc.” 89 points.
* Albamar Chardonnay 2009 is an “outstanding value.”
89 points.
* Albamar Sauvignon Blanc 2009 is “crisp and concentrated.”
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2010
The William Cole 2009 Albamar Sauvignon Blanc is named a Best Buy.
“The
palate is both juicy and round. Foxy on the finish.”
Wine Enthusiast, Dec 31, 2010
“Wow, just wow,” says reviewer Tim Lemke about William
Cole's 2009 Columbine Pinot Noir. “I wasn’t ready for
the intensity on the nose of this pinot noir. The aromas are incredible
from this wine, with raspberry, cola, violets and a little bit of
bacon fat making a beautiful bouquet. The tannins are moderate and
the acidity is good” ... The 2009 Albamar Sauvignon Blanc
is “yummy, yummy, yummy. Yet another reason to love Chilean
sauvignon blanc. And it’s an exceptional value!” ...
The 2009 Columbine Special Reserve Sauvignon Blanc has “mineral
notes, citrus and peach flavors on an exceptionally long finish.”
... The William Cole 2009 Albamar Chardonnay “has crisp acidity
with green apple and peach flavors. This wine is just about exactly
what I want from a chardonnay. For a mere $11, this is an outstanding
chardonnay.”
CheapWineRatings.com
In “Blue Reviews,” wine
writer Anthony Dias Blue calls the William Cole 2009 Columbine Reserve
Sauvignon Blanc “smooth and juicy with depth and bright, tangy
citrus; fresh and balanced with good length and style”
88 points.
The Tasting Panel, July 2010
Columbine Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010 awarded
the Gold Medal in international wine competition.
Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2011
Two of William Cole's awarded 88 points by
Stephen Tanzer. He called the Albamar Sauvignon Blanc 2009 “fresh
and nicely delineated, offering a silky texture and vibrant citrus
flavors. Finishes with dusty minerality and lingering lime and spice
notes.” The Albamar Chardonnay 2009 is “nicely concentrated
but uncompromisingly dry, with a slightly sharp jab of acidity bracing
the citrus and green apple flavors.”
Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2010
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