For a first vintage out of northerly Limarí Valley, this Concha y Toro effort from winemaker Marcelo Papa exceeds any reasonable expectations. It’s an exotic, unique version of perfectly ripe, healthy Syrah from a perfect Chilean vintage. It steamrolls with maxed-out wild berry fruit, a saturated feel and backbone. Enjoy now and over the next few years.
— M.S.
(3/1/2008)
The bouquet on this blend from the Limarí region is perfumed, floral and slightly exotic, with spunky red-fruit scents and graphite. The palate is full and mouthfilling, with lightly herbal blackberry, plum, pepper and spice flavors along with mild heat and a toasted note. Despite showing a hint of burn, this is a serious wine with short-term aging potential. Drink…
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)
One of Chile’s more personality-driven Syrahs is Maycas, from Limarí. It’s a condensed, meaty and structured wine with mineral, toast and ribald blackberry aromas. The palate is rich but well built, with plum, berry, herb and chocolate flavors. Warm and long on the finish, and layered. Sophisticated enough to give the world’s better-made Syrahs a run for their money.
— M.S.
(7/1/2009)
Dark, sweet, subtle and smooth, with complexity that’s unleashed with proper airing. There’s minerality and perfume on the nose, and while it’s rich and supple in the mouth, the blackberry, raisin and fig flavors are not saggy. Pillowy, but with good concentration. Drink from late 2010 through 2012.
— M.S.
(5/1/2010)
It took this Concha y Toro specialty label a few years to find its footing with Sauvignon Blanc, but in 2010 they found it. This is a subtle but chiseled wine with structure, juicy acidity and pure apple, lime and tarragon flavors. It’s consistent from nose to tail, and it’s deep and layered, too.
— M.S.
(9/1/2011)
This new wine from the Limarí Valley is a head-turner. The color is black but it’s not overweight or overdone. The nose has mild animal and leather notes along with savory blackberry, and the palate is full of boysenberry, dark plum, licorice, pepper, chocolate and espresso. Long and lingering, with thick legs. Drink now through 2011.
— W.E.
(2/1/2011)
Minerally and mildly salty, this has white-fruit aromas of citrus and pear. It feels true and lively, with green, tropical notes of lime and apple along with chalky minerals. Mellow and smooth, it’s long on the finish.
— M.S.
(12/1/2012)
Very nicely done, with coffee, leather, smoked meat and other inviting aromas. With stout but nongrating tannins, there’s spine to this wine and also attractive flavors of cola, black cherry and berry. Masculine, tight, muscled and clean. Probably the best wine we’ve tried from Tamaya. Imported by Ecovalley Quality Wine Group and National Refrescos Import Company, LLC.
— M.S.
(9/1/2009)