($20, TGIC Importers): A bright lemony finish adds balance and a welcome restraint in this fruit-focused Chardonnay.  Hints of spice balance the lively pineapple-like nuances in this easy-to-recommend wine.  Its mid-weight character will not overwhelm so it’s as easy to sip before dinner as it is at the table.… Read more

($18, T.G.I.C. Importers): Aurelio Montes was one of the pioneers of the premium wine industry in Chile when he and his partners founded the Montes winery in the late 1980s.  His dogged determination has helped draw the world’s attention to Chile as a source of upscale wines. … Read more

($80, T.G.I.C. Importers): With their “M” bottling, which they don’t produce every year, Montes has consistently demonstrated the heights that Chilean red Bordeaux blends can achieve.  Indeed, the M could stand for “marvelous” or “magnificent.”  It explodes on the palate delivering dense ripe and savory components that play off beautifully against one another. … Read more

($15, Vineyard Brands): Despite coming from the Casablanca Valley, a cool coastal area of Chile where you’d expect more delicacy in Pinot Noir, this one is a riper, more intensely styled wine with hints of bacon fat.  Tannins are similarly ripe and supple, which means it’s a good choice for current drinking. … Read more

($12, Vineyard Brands): Chile’s geography–a long narrow strip of country protected by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Andes on the other–explains why it’s a leader in organic agriculture, including grapes and wine.  Cono Sur trumpets that this wine was made from organically grown grapes in four places, twice on the capsule and twice more on the label, just in case you might not get it. … Read more

($12): Chile’s Casablanca Valley’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean with its cooling influences has made it a popular source for lively white wines that focus on freshness.  And this Sauvignon Blanc does just that.  A grapefruit-like zing and mouth cleansing acidity makes it a good choice for this summer to accompany lighter seafood dishes. … Read more

($14, Opici): Chile’s location, a long thin country squeezed between the natural barriers of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, is well known for their pesticide-free organic agriculture.  So it’s no surprise that we see lots of wines “made with organic grapes” coming from that country. … Read more

($12, Vineyard Brands): Viognier can be a difficult grape to vinify because the window between ripeness and over ripeness is narrow.  Cono Sur has succeeded admirably with this attractive, bargain-priced rendition.  They’ve captured the spice and floral nature of Viognier while avoiding heaviness and warmth of excessive alcohol. … Read more

($20, Huneeus Vintners): This collaborative effort by two giants, Chilean icon Agustin Hunees, and California star, Paul Hobbs, will appeal to those who like power in their Pinot Noir. Ripe black fruit notes a hint of seductive toasty oak come together in this rich full-blown wine.… Read more

($158):   Errazuriz thinks outside of the box.  While much of the Chilean industry was focusing on basic $10 Cabernet and Merlot, Errazuriz, led by Eduardo Chadwick, was heading in a different direction.  Make no mistake, Errazuriz does make excellent basic Cabernet and Merlot. … Read more

($21, Vintus):  Carménère is Chile’s signature grape.  Originally grown in Bordeaux, it was mostly abandoned there because it was such a late ripening variety.  Initially in Chile it was confused with Merlot and harvested early with Merlot, which imparted an unpleasant greenness to the wine. … Read more

($12, Moët Hennessey USA):  Founded in part by the Marnier Lapostolle family (of Grand Marnier fame) Casa Lapostolle was one of the early Franco-Chilean endeavors.  They remain one of Chile’s leading producers.  They produce at least three tiers of wine, with their “Casa” label falling the in middle. … Read more

($75, Moët Hennessey USA):  This, Casa Lapostolle’s top wine, remains one of Chile’s best.  Made primarily from Carménère, Chile’s signature grape, it combines fruit flavors—both black and red—with earthy and herbal notes in a luxuriously supple package of fine tannins.  The non-fruit nuances for which Carménère is notorious add great complexity. … Read more

($11, Pasternak Wine Imports):  Los Vascos knows how to deliver.  Their 2008 Cabernet (previously reviewed) delivers more than the price suggests.  And this Sauvignon Blanc is in the same category.  It has the distinctive pungency and brightness of Sauvignon Blanc without off putting overly grassy notes.… Read more

($11, Banfi Vintners):  Emiliana is dedicated to making wines from organically grown grapes (Natura and Novas labels) and biodynamic farming principles (Gê and Coyam labels).   This Syrah highlights the plumy flavors the wine can deliver rather than the peppery notes characteristic of wines from cooler climes, such as the Northern Rhone.  … Read more

($10, TGIC Importers):  Here’s a toasty, plush, big Merlot more appropriate to accompany a grilled steak than as an aperitif.  Although there are subtle leafy notes, the focus is on juicy black fruit-like flavors and a dollop of sweet oak.  At ten bucks, it’s a fine choice for drinking this summer with burgers or grilled skirt steak.… Read more

($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

($20):  Primus is the flagship red wine of Veramonte, the Chilean winery established by Augustin Huneeus–a genius in the Chilean and American winery industry–in the 1990s.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Syrah (31%), Merlot (17%) and Carmenère, the 2006 Primus is lovely, as usual. … Read more

($12, Vin Divino):  This stylish Carménère balances ripe black fruit flavors with an alluring savory quality characteristic of the varietal.  The combination gives it delightful complexity, as opposed to a bombastic fruit bomb.  Fine tannins and a lengthy finish just make it that much more remarkable. … Read more

($12, Vin Divino):  Casa Silva is a welcome addition to the American market.  Their 2008 Carménère (previously reviewed) was excellent and so is this Sauvignon Blanc.  Its herbal bite pleasantly attacks the palate rather than assaulting it.  Citrus notes add complexity. … Read more

($12, Vin Divino):  This stylish Carménère balances ripe black fruit flavors with an alluring savory quality characteristic of the varietal.  The combination gives it delightful complexity, as opposed to a bombastic fruit bomb.  Fine tannins and a lengthy finish just make it that much more remarkable. … Read more

($10, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  This lovely Sauvignon Blanc walks the fine line between pleasantly pungent and aggressively herbal.  It delivers it herbal notes with grace.  There’s no doubting it’s Sauvignon Blanc, but it doesn’t shout.  In short, it’s balanced and far more refined that you’d expect at the price. … Read more

($8, Banfi Vintners):  This wine, produced by Concha y Toro, continues their tradition of delivering more than you’d expect from the price.  Showing more than just fruit–even though there’s plent of that–this Merlot also conveys hints of tar or earth, which balances the ripeness. … Read more

($10, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.):  Torres, the iconic Spanish wine family, once again was ahead of the curve when they started their outpost in Chile in 1979.  (Their website claims they were the first foreign wine company to invest there).  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, from organically grown grapes, conveys gorgeous intensity without heaviness. … Read more

($12, Palm Bay International):  Carménère is rapidly becoming Chile’s signature grape and wine.  Long confused with Merlot, once the winemakers realized it was not and that it needed extra time to ripen, they started making intriguing wines from it.  Montgras’ has a lovely array of leafy notes intertwined with fresh red fruit and a whiff of oak. … Read more

($11, Vineyard Brands):  Carmenère, a variety formerly popular in Bordeaux, has found a new home in Chile, where it flourishes.  This mid-weight wine has an appealing spice and earthiness that acts as a good counterpoint to its ripe fruit profile.  It’s easy to enjoy with pizza.… Read more

($19, Frederick Wildman): Eduardo Chadwick, one of Chile’s top winemakers and owner of Arboleda, has always been a vigorous proponent of Shiraz, especially when grown in the Aconcagua Valley, a locale about 100 miles north of Santiago.  This wine justifies his enthusiasm. … Read more

($11, Schwartz Olcott Imports): The name remains annoying and the label remains incomprehensible at its attempt to be cute, but  this Carmenère continues to improve with each successive vintage and offers terrific value.  A bit of spice and herbal notes complement some dark berry-like fruit flavors. … Read more

($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): I didn’t care for the 2005 versions of any of the wines sold under the Oops label.  And although I still don’t care for the name, the wines are definitely more interesting and worth a recommendation.  The Carménère, which is two-thirds of the blend, brings nuances of earthiness to the bright prominent cherry fruit flavors.… Read more

($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): The 2006 vintage of this high-value producer’s wines stands as a real step up from the 2005 offerings.  A dollop (15%) of Carmenere adds herbal nuances that balance the ripe Cabernet black fruit flavors.  If only they’d change the name.… Read more

($12, Schwartz Olcott Imports): I dislike wines with cutesy names and am reluctant to recommend them.  But in this case, the quality of the contents trumps the name.  A blend of mostly (84%) Cabernet Franc and the remainder Carmenere, this shows an appealingly leathery, almost smoky character, as opposed to solely pure sweet fruit flavors. … Read more

($18, Huneeus Vintners): Primus is the upper end Bordeaux-blend created by Agustin Huneeus, one of Chile’s–and California’s–most savvy and talented winemakers.  Although predominantly a blend of Merlot (51%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), it’s the Carmenere (17%), a grape formerly important but now virtually abandoned in Bordeaux and making a renaissance in Chile, that lends an engaging exotic edge to this glossy wine. … Read more

($15, Global Vineyard Importers): This tasty wine (a 55/45% blend) offers dark color and impressive density, but with balanced ripeness that keeps it from seeming chunky or overbearing.  The fruit shows very attractive notes of blackberry and black plum, with fine integration of fruit and tannin. … Read more

($15, Huneeus Vintners): This straightforward Pinot Noir delivers bright primary fruit–cherry-like–flavors without earthy, leafy nuances frequently found in the varietal.  A nice balance of pure fruit flavors, lively acidity and soft tannins makes it perfect for current consumption. 86 Michael Apstein Jan 22, 2008… Read more

($61, Palm Bay Imports): This is Santa Rita’s flagship wine, and though the winery has released later vintages (including a tight but tasty 2003), the American importer is still selling the now fully ready to drink 1999.  It’s delicious.  With a compelling bouquet reminiscent of superior Bordeaux, and sweet, ripe fruit flavors, it offers impressive depth and length along with great balance.  … Read more

($17, Billington Imports): This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot is the flagship wine of Cousino-Macul, one of Chile’s leading wineries. I am continually amazed at how this winery produces such outstanding wine at such reasonable prices.  It has understated class and finesse despite the 14% alcohol.… Read more

($10, Banfi Imports): Emiliana, an affiliate of Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s best wineries, is making a name for itself with wines made from organically grown grapes bottled under the Natura label.  With over 3,500 acres in several of Chile’s prime grape growing regions — Maipo Valley, Casablanca and Colchagua — they must be one of the largest, if not the largest, growers of organic grapes in the world. … Read more

($8, Palm Bay): Chile continues to churn out well-made, well-priced wines.  This, Santa Rita’s least expensive Cabernet, is a remarkable value.  Ripe, without being sweet or overdone, it has smoky elements that add complexity and tannins that are firm, but not astringent.… Read more

($12, Palm Bay): Carménère, a grape originally grown in Bordeaux but abandoned there because the weather was unpredictable — often too cool — to assure consistent ripening, has found a devoted following among winemakers in Chile. They realize that when planted in warm sites, such as the Rapel Valley, Carménère can produce a wine with considerable complexity. … Read more

($12, Palm Bay): Location, location, location.  This wine stands above Santa Rita’s Cabernet ‘120’ (reviewed above) because of the origin of the grapes.  Chile’s Maipo Valley, just south of Santiago, has long been known as a prime place for Cabernet.  Wines from this area often have an herbal, even minty, quality which can be quite appealing when it’s subtle, but is off-putting when it’s not. … Read more

($15, North Lake Wine): Bordeaux’s Château Mouton Rothschild started a joint venture with one of Chile’s premier wineries, Concha y Toro, to produce what has turned out to be one of Chile’s greatest wines, Almaviva.  In addition, the owners of Château Mouton Rothschild produce other wines in Chile, such as this Escudo Rojo (which is a literal Spanish translation of Red Shield, the meaning of Rothschild). … Read more