2017 Calina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Chile, Valle Central, Chile, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B

This is an inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc that retails for $10.  It is easy drinking and a nice value for that price.  it should be popular with the wine drinker who is looking for value and pleasure.  Pale Yellow/gold in color.  Nice grapefruit on the nose and palate.  Easy drinking.  Its not about depth as much as refreshment.  Slightly sweet on the finish.  

2010 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor, Chile, Puente Alto, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2010
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

Always nice to try this flagship wine of Chile.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has cassis, roasted herbs, and slight roasted meat.  On the palate, this is black cherries with underlying graphite.  The wine had been decanted for a few hours and needed every bit of it.  Medium tannins at that point.  It is deep and powerful but nicely balanced.  Long finish.  Went great with roasted eggplant and other veggies.  There may still be some upside but even if not, this is terrific now and should be at this level for at least another  decade.  

2015 Garage Wine Co. Cinsault The Soothsayers Ferment, Chile, Secano Interior - Wine Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This is very good.  It should be available for around $25 or perhaps a bit less in your market.  Quite unusual.  Ruby in color.  The nose is cherries, with a slight botanical note.  interesting.  On the palate, it has a nice complexity to it.  Cherries, candied cherries, earthy and slight vermouth notes.  Nice texture.  Good acidity.  Works better with food.  Good finish.  Looking ofr something that's not the same old, same old - this is perfect.  

2011 Ventisquero Sauvignon Blanc Yali Wetland, Chile, Rapel Valley - Wine review

Score: 
83
Grade: 
B-

Very nice value for this under $10 per bottle wine.  This vintage is getting a bit long in the tooth but I suspect younger vintages are showing much better.  Light gold/green in color.  The nose has slight tropical fruit and a bit of oxidation.  On the palate, this has a nice enough crispness.  Fruit is present but faded.  Not much depth but still alive and drinking nicely.  On a budget, this is worth checking out.  

2016 Chakana Chardonnay Estate Selection, Argentina

Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

Light gold in color with slight green.  On the nose, there is grapefruit and slight lumber.  Also some spice.  On the palate, there is a tart acidity which is very nice.  Grapefruit and citrus notes.  Long finish.  Really a quality Chardonnay for under $20, its hard to beat that value.  

Chilean Wine Recommendations: What Is One Chilean Wine Worth Seeking Out?

IntoWine.com asked our panel of wine experts their recommendation for one Chilean wine worth seeking out (but which won't break the bank): Occasionally, a wine region reveals a level of promise that speaks to every kind of wine consumer. Today, that wine region is Chile. Forged from several mountainous valleys along the southwest coast of South America, Chile has seen a renaissance in its agricultural heritage with wine. Several producers are harnessing the unique climate and dramatic terroir (mountains, valleys, proximity to the ocean) to make world class wines. One of the most impressive varieties to date has been Syrah. A noted survivor in extreme conditions, Syrah has found a home, if not a palace, in Chile. Find Montes Alpha Series Syrahs One wine in particular worth trying is the 2006 Montes Alpha Series Syrah . Harvested from a low yield vineyard on the Apalta Valley slopes, this Syrah comes with added punch. A 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Viognier addition in the final blend establishes this wine’s firm tannins with elegance, supported by waves of blueberries, cassis, flowers, and leather. Made for drinking young, this wine could also age well over the next few years. (About $20) – Ben Spencer is a diploma student with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and an IntoWine Featured Writer.

Chilean Wine Vintage Chart

Chile 2010 90 D 2009 92 D/H 2008 90 D 2007 90 D 2006 91 D 2005 88 D 2004 92 D 2003 87 D 2002 93 D 2001 90 D 2000 89 D 1999 90 D Vintage Charts should be used for a generalized guide in lieu of specific knowledge about a bottle or producer. The better wines from a vintage will generally have longer...

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