Wines Of Chile ~ A Celebration of Red

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Wines of Chile ~Red Blends Blogger Wine Tasting.  By recently I mean about a month ago.  The information and the wines were so incredible that I've been at a loss at how to do it justice in a post.  We sampled 8 different wines with the help of Fred Dexheimer (Master Sommelier) and 8 Chilean Wine Makers.  We had awesome food and got the opportunity to ask questions and have a little fun flirting with some of the winemakers.  Fred was an exceptional host and a refreshing personality.  This was a great group of bloggers, wine makers and media who weren't afraid to have a little fun.  Along with the wine I was sent some amazing 1492 EVOO and Merquen Smoked Chiles to prepare suggested recipes with.  The night was amazing as was the wine.  It also happened to fall on the evening the remaining Chilean Miners were being rescued.  One extra reason for all of us to toast together.

Wine #1
Valdivieso
Eclat 2005, Maule Valley
56% Carignan, 24% mourvedre, 20% Syrah
Retails for $27

This wine is ruby red and presents a spicy red fruit and wild violet to the nose.  The palate is raspberry and other red berries, full bodied with a syrah finish.


Wine #2
De Martino
Single Vineyard Old Bush Vines "Las Cruces" 2006, Cachapoal Valley
66% Malbec, 34% Carmenere
Retails for $45

This wine is a deep violet-red and presents floral, sweet spices and ripe red fruits to the nose.  The palate is complex with hints of fig and an exceptional long finish.

Wine #3
Estampa
Gold Assemblage Carmenere 2008, Colchagua Valley
57% Carmenere, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot
Retails for $22

Intense color of violet and ruby red.  Aroma is smokey with hints of tobacco and herbs with a variety of red fruit.  The palate is red berries, bell pepper and spice.  This wine has great balance and finish.

Wine #4
Montes
Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere 2008, Colchagua Valley
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carmenere
Retails for $15

Red Ruby Color.  Aromas of chocolate, coffee and vanilla and palate of Chocolate, red berries and sweet smoke.  Full bodied with a long finish.
(This was my favorite out of the 8 we tasted)

Wine #5
Maquis
Lien 2006, Colchagua Valley
42% Syrah, 30% Carmenere, 12% Cabernet Fr.anc, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec
Retails for $19

Deep red-violet coloring.  Aroma is Spicy black fruits, olive and dark chocolate.  The palate is dark fruits, tobacco and hits of dark chocolate, silky tannins made this wine a crowd favorite.

Wine #6
Vina Hacienda Araucano
Clos de Lolol 2008, Colchagua Valley
31% Syrah, 29% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Carmrenere
Retails for 23

This wine is deep red to purple in color.  Presents blackberry, tobacco and clove to the nose.  The palate is a mix of raspberry, blueberry and cloves.

Wine #7
Emilia
Coyam 2007, Colchagua Valley
38% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Carmenere, 17% Merlot 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Mouvedre
Retails for $29

Intense Violet-red coloring.  On the nose is dark berries, oak and minerals.  The palate is dark fruit, toffee and chocolate with well-rounded tannins and a long finish.

Wine #8
Casas Del Bosque
Gran Estate Selection Family Reserve 2007, Casablanca Valley
61% Syrah, 26% Merlot, 13% Pinot Noir
Retails for $50

Intense Violet coloring.  A nose of Dark berries, anise and lavender.  The palate is black cherry, leather and truffle with a hint of bitter chocolate.

All of these wines are excellent and Highly Recommended.


I was sent the samples to participate in the tasting.  I was not compensated in any other way.  The opinions are authentic and 100% mine.