($38, Banfi Vintners):  Terrunyo is a label Concha y Toro uses for its upscale wines whose distinct character they believe is due to the precise locale of the vineyard.  Hence, the very specific coordinates–Block 34 of the Rucahue Vineyard, which itself is located in the Peumo subregion of Chile’s Cachapoal Valle–appear on the label. … Read more

($11, Banfi Vintners):  I never know whether it’s the organically grown grapes or the extra attention the winegrower must give to the vineyard when farming organically that contributes to the quality of an organic wine.  Not that it matters.   Emiliana has brought it all together very nicely with this wine.… Read more

($38, Excelsior):  It’s rare, very rare to find a Carménère that delivers this kind of polish and complexity.  It’s plenty plumy with good richness.  But there’s an alluring leafy and mineral aspect underneath all that ripeness that adds a “not just fruit” element and prevents it from being overdone. … Read more

($22):  This wine, like their Xplorador Carménère (also reviewed this week) represents another marvelous example of how Concha y Toro delivers value, even at a higher price.  Lush red- and black-fruit flavors intertwine seamlessly with savory elements.  Its class is evident by its silky texture, good density and lengthy finish. … Read more

($10, Pasternak Wine Imports):  As you’d expect from a wine in the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) portfolio, this Cabernet is refined, not in-your-face or over the top. Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) took over Los Vascos estate in 1988 and the wines have just gotten better and better. … Read more

($8, Excelsior):  Concha y Toro is a brilliant Chilean producer because they deliver value and quality at every price point, even $8, as in the case of this wine.  Plump, it delivers plenty of plum-like ripe fruit, but subtle leafy notes, common to Carménère, prevent it from being a “fruit bomb.” … Read more

($14, Vineyard Brands):  This, Cono Sur’s more upscale–and single vineyard–bottling, is a fabulous value.  With flowers and fruit balanced by lip-smacking acidity, it’s bottled springtime.  The focus here is on delicate fruit–not earthy minerality–but the impeccable balance and verve carries it beautifully. … Read more

($18, Excelsior):  The Marques de Casa Concha bottling from Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s best producers, is so consistently good that it is one of my “go to” recommendations when people ask for an under $20 red wine.
Their 2008 Cabernet upholds that tradition with an interplay of dark fruit and herbal–almost minty–flavors. … Read more

($15, Vineyard Brands):  With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Chile’s Casablanca Valley has become a good site for white wine varieties that prefer cooler weather.  This single vineyard, Loma Roja, Sauvignon Blanc is very focused with herbal notes. Not overdone, nor with shrieking acidity, it maintains a nice edginess without being aggressive.… Read more

($10, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  Torres, arguably the most famous name in Spanish wine, has expanded into Chile.  Judging by this Carménère, they will do very well there.  Carménère, a grape native to Bordeaux, but virtually abandoned there, has found a home in Chile. … Read more