winewaves

Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2006

I didn't try this wine for a good while because the name rubbed me the wrong way; it's just too clever. Cono Sur = Southern Cone? But the price tag finally got to me. That lured me as did the curiosity of trying a Chilean Pinot Noir. It didn't hurt that Vineyard Brands imports the wine, because I've come to trust their palate.

The result: I'm on my fourth bottle and for my money Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2006 beats the other $10-$11 Pinots out there that currently rule the low end bins. You know who you are. I'm a big Salmon eater and this one works great with my bear like eating habits.

But I still don't like the name and the Cono Sur website is too clever for my tastes as well.

Outstanding value ($11). Closure: Screw cap. Alcohol content: 14%.

Style: Light, tart, red fruit forward, with a touch of smoke.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Bright cranberry translucent. Aromas: Redcurrant, cranberry, plum, strawberry. Light bodied on the tongue, the sour cherry flavor mingles with light spicy smoky notes and the finish is elegant, gay, dry, not overpowering but rather uplifting.

Comment: Mrs. Slocombe said "Ignore the shoes". I say "ignore the marketing".

Haras De Pirque Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Stimson Lane, parent of Chateau Ste. Michelle imports this Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon which is an attractive value and perfect companion to a ribeye on Derby weekend.

The horse drawing on the front label pays homage to Leonardo Da Vinci and ties together the Haras De Pirque Estate's dual focuses: wine and race horses. The estate is owned by the family of Eduardo Matte. The winery is shaped like a giant horseshoe and they raise winning thoroughbred stallions.

The composition of Haras Cabernet is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with 10+/-% Carmenère and a smidgen of Syrah. Aging was 8 months in French oak.

Excellent value ($9). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 14.5%.

Style: Lush, black fruit forward, with some smoky oak.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep crimson with purple edges, with just a bit of a haze, semi-opaque. Aromas: Perfumed cassis, loganberry, cedar, tobacco, wet earth and well toasted oak. Jammy and substantial on the tongue, the lush black/red fruit, herbal notes and bold earthy tannins go the distance like a thoroughbred should.

Comment: An American in Chile.

Root:1 Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The unique labeling attracts your attention and does a good job communicating the importance of good rootstock to making a good wine. The story goes that these are rare ungrafted vines growing in a rarified region. Unlike most of the world's wine growing regions, here in Colchagua Valley Phylloxera has not destroyed the original vines or forced new vines to be grafted onto resistant root stock.

Seattle based Click Wine Group is partners with giant Agrosuper Viña Ventisquero on Root:1 Chilean Cabernet.

Winemaker Felipe Tosso reports the source of fruit is the Apalta and El Suspiro ("the whisper") Vineyards in Colchagua Valley, a sub-region of Rapel Valley. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah, aged about 1 year in French oak barrels.

Outstanding value ($11). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 14%.

Style: Fruit forward, complex, lush, dark fruit, some oak spice.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep ruby translucent. Aromas: Cherry, loganberry, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and sage. Rich, well-structured and medium-bodied, the jammy dark fruit flavors merge with spicy cedary oak to create a big dry reverberating finish.

Comment: This unexpectedly fruity and new worldly Chilean Cab goes great with a medium rare steak.