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Tag Archives: maipo valley

Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Maipo Valley, Chile

09 Wednesday Jun 2021

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$17, 5 stars, 90 points, cabernet sauvignon, chile, maipo valley


I’m grilling some Picanha and Argentinian sausages on the Weber tonight so I figured a South American Cab would work well. I have not had any of this winery’s offerings for a while, perhaps 20 years. I’m excited to revisit. In the glass it is deep purple, opaque to be sure. The nose has a slight candied note but I also get gobs of black currants, oak and mint. The palate is fruity and dry with black currant, blackberry, mint, smoky oak and delightful tannins. The body is medium to full with a crisp mouthfeel- the tannins quite young and impressive. They really coat the gums but are not overly astringent. Good acidity balances them out on the back end and the finish is medium in length. The fruit persists as long as the tannins do which is a good thing, earning a point or two here and there. Whilst still young, it will drink nicely if you need a dry wine, but will cellar well till 2026. 90 points from me for this $17 effort make it a 5 star wine in my books. Salut….

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Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Carmenere 2019, Maipo Valley, Chile

24 Monday May 2021

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$20, 1 star, 82 points, carmenere, chile, maipo valley


I did not care for the last Carmenère I had, realizing that the varietal as a whole was too gamy and earthy for me with some exceptions. When I saw this bottle at the shop I figured I would give it another go, recognizing the winery name and hoping for a better result. It starts off quite inky in the glass. I can smell the earthiness from a few feet away. On the nose it is quite interesting, if not a touch green and herbal. Capsicum, violets, black currants and blueberry all hit me. The palate is quite sharp right off the bat, piquant acidity and a touch of tannic bite are the first tastes/sensations I get. Once past that part I get some black currants, licorice, coffee and a hint of game to go along with the bell peppers. It’s not my favorite flavor profile, but at least it’s not unpleasant. Th wine has a decent structure but it tends to lean towards the tart side of the scale and the green flavors are really prominent on the mid palate. The finish is sour, yet it lacks acidity per se. The tannins are medium in intensity and slightly underripe. Overall this wine is drinkable and forgettable. At least I am not gagging on it. 82 points from me and at $20, it’s a 1 star effort. This varietal is quickly losing my interest. Salut….

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Santa Ema Reserve Merlot 2015, Maipo Valley, Chile

08 Saturday Dec 2018

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$12, 4 stars, 89 points, maipo valley, merlot


Nice purple in the glass.  The nose is blackberry, oak and cocoa dust.  The initial palate is of ripe plums, more blackberries and vanilla.  The wine has gentle tannins, lithe acidity and drinks easily.  It has a nice midpalate transition.  Coffee notes hit me as well as more berries.  89 points from me for this $12 effort.  It drinks well and should be held in the daily drinker cellar for a quick go-to wine.  4 stars, drink now.  Salut….

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Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley, Chile

16 Wednesday May 2018

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$13, 4 stars, 89 points, cabernet sauvignon, chile, maipo valley


Pretty purple color with a nose of raspberry, mint, violets.  The palate is fresh, with bright plum and  red berry flavors, hazelnut, juicy tannins and a crisp acidity.  The ph of this wine is substantial yet balanced with the well integrated tannins.  More mint notes come through on the finish along with some oak and raspberry.  The wine leaves my mouth very dry, I kinda like it!  Pairing it with super thick Strip steaks, Chorizo, roasted Brussel Sprouts and chargrilled baby onions.  89 points and 4 stars for this $13 wine- drink till 2020.  Salut….

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De Martino Estate Merlot 2010

15 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$14, 4 stars, 88 points, chile, maipo valley, merlot


Sticking with Chilean Merlot, this one was the third in our tasting and runs at about $14.  A more concentrated wine, with plum and raspberry notes melding with some nice oak and spice.  Very easy to drink, it had the right balance of acidity and a nice tannin framework.  The finish was decent and enticed me to take another sip.  This wine is drinking well now and can be short-term cellared.  I would drink this with pasta, perhaps veal chops and definitely some shish kebabs.  4 stars and 88 points.  Salut….

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