Wines from Central Valley

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Echeverria 2003 Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley)

Price $28

Quite attractive in color and bouquet, with compact, deep aromas of leather, olive, black plum and cassis. It’s pure and powerful in the mouth, with tons of dark fruit and chocolate. Finishes long, with finely etched tannins. Very smooth and properly made in the New World style. — M.S. (12/31/2006)

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Echeverria 2006 Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley)

Aromatically, this is a very nice offering with solid berry fruit, cassis, spice and smoke. The palate feel is excellent, while the flavors of cherry and cassis are classic New World, deep and accented by tobacco on the finish. Lush and tannic; drink now through 2012. — M.S. (5/1/2010)

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San Fernando 2005 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley)

Price $16

Really nice for a brand we haven’t seen before. This is classic Chilean Cab; ripe, smooth, seductive and fairly refined—and all for $16. The nose is totally welcoming, while the palate is deep and round, with cassis, raspberry and toasty flavors. Finishes with coffee, pepper and lasting tannins. A great value. Imported by Winelink Imports Corp. — M.S. (12/31/2008)

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Odfjell 2003 Aliara Red (Central Valley)

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Price $25

It took a few years for Odfjell to get its Aliara blend right. For starters, it’s not an easy wine, as it’s based on Carmenère and has Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc, Carignan and Malbec in the mix. But the 2003 is excellent in how it delivers coffee and other roasted aromas in front of ripe cassis, berry and chocolate flavors. It’s one part savory and one part sweet;… — M.S. (5/1/2007)

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Hereu 2006 Red (Central Valley)

Price $27

This is a new blend from Odfjell winemaker Arnaud Hereu. Made from Syrah, Malbec and Carignan, it is concentrated and bordering on fat, with olive, black fruit, vanilla and mocha on the nose. Ripe and tight, with cola and blackberry flavors followed by a finish of mocha and herbal tea. Ageable for a few years but drinkable now. — M.S. (12/31/2009)

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Valdivieso 1999 Reserve Chardonnay (Central Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $20

With its rich tropical fruits, nutty vanilla overtones and toasty, smoky finish, this is a dead-ringer for a top-notch California Chardonnay. Tangerine, peach and pineapple flavors combine with a custardy mouthfeel to offer satisfaction in every sip. Editors’ Choice. — J.C. (3/1/2002)

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Valdivieso 2003 Single Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Franc (Central Valley)

Price $17

Structured, tight and linear at first, and then air unveils good oak notes, red fruit and tobacco. Ripe and loaded in the mouth, with bold cassis and cherry flavors. Good tannins, spice, warmth, and a pleasing outlook make this a winner. Imported by Laird & Company. — M.S. (5/1/2006)

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Odfjell 2003 Orzada Carmenère (Central Valley)

Price $18

Black as night, with cola, mint and very little herbaceousness. In fact, the whole package offers only the slightest note of Carmenère’s notorious herbal character. Without that identity, it’s pure and delivers unabridged ripeness. Finishes with bitter chocolate and vanilla. Imported by Select Fine Wine. — M.S. (11/1/2005)

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Chardonnay Malbec Merlot Pinot Noir Red Blend Riesling Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah White Blend

Most Reviewed Wineries

Caliterra Concha y Toro Cono Sur Echeverria Espiritu de Chile J. & F. Lurton Miguel Torres oops San Elias Santa Rita Terra Andina Valdivieso

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Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

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