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Maule Valley Wines

The Maule Valley Wine Region is easily one of Chile’s largest wine producing areas and possesses some of the country’s oldest vines. While the region’s past reputation was defined by its production of table wine, this zone of The Central Valley is currently undergoing a winemaking renaissance. As a means to increase quality, winemakers are becoming more heedful of improved vinification and viticultural techniques, creating wines from lower yields, healthier soils and superlative grapes. The bulk of the grapes grown in the region are red—predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère—creating full-bodied wines with concentrated dark berry flavors and an herbal tinge. And while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also produced in Maule Valley, it is the reds that are held in the highest regard according to our Maule Valley Wine Reviews. To learn more about these Chilean wines, be sure to visit our Maule Valley Wine Guide.

Showing items 1 through 8 of 365
93
points

Caliboro Estate 2008 Erasmo Late Harvest Torontel (Maule Valley)

  • Editors' Choice
  1. $35
The pinnacle in Chilean dessert wine. The brown-gold color gives it visual gravitas while the nose is pungent, wild and full of honey, peach blossom and lychee. The palate affords richness and flow, while the crisped banana and honey flavors are tops. Sweet, delicious and balanced; made from old-vines, dry-farmed Torontel grapes.  — M.S.  (12/1/2011)
91
points

Odfjell 2005 Orzada Carmenère (Maule Valley)

  • Editors' Choice
  1. $20
Balsam, lush prune and all sorts of earthy, interesting aromas set this rich, ripe Carmenère off on a wild ride. Chocolate greets you at the front door, with deep plum and berry waiting behind. It’s saturated and superripe but it doesn’t lose step or steam. Excellent in the ultraripe, modern style.  — M.S.  (9/1/2008)
91
points

O. Fournier 2007 Centauri Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Carignan (Maule Valley)

  1. $25
A wine with a strong constitution, Centauri is a model for the new Maule. Structure is key here, but so is the bright red-fruit flavors fronted and backed by mineral and toasty oak. Somewhat Bordeaux in style, but more forward and vivid.  — M.S.  (9/1/2009)
91
points

J. Bouchon 2006 Mingre Red (Maule Valley)

  1. $40
Full-bodied, rich and packed with sweet fruit, Mingre signals that J. Bouchon is ready for prime time. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carmenère and Syrah that tips the scales with heft and concentration. It’s slightly herbal and warm, with a creamy, well-oaked palate and flavors of blackberry and black plum. Needs some time in bottle.  — M.S.  (9/1/2009)
91
points

Odfjell 2006 Orzada Carmenère (Maule Valley)

  1. $20
This wine has a great track record and the 2006 is staunch and ready to go, with shoe polish, licorice nib, sandalwood and spice aromas to go with big black-fruit scents. The palate is smooth and easy, with blackberry, fig, tobacco and herbal flavors. Cedary and woody late, with some mocha. Still flush and healthy more than four years removed from harvest; drink…  — M.S.  (2/1/2011)
90
points

Morandé 2008 Gran Reserva Syrah (Maule Valley)

  • Best Buy
  1. $15
Solid, deep and earthy smelling, with cola, mushroom, violet and tree bark aromas. The palate is smooth and balanced, with dark berry, baked plum, chocolate and spice flavors. Dry, foresty and healthy as can be on the finish. Exemplary for the price.  — M.S.  (12/1/2011)
90
points

Calina 2005 Alcance Carmenère (Maule Valley)

  • Best Buy
  1. $15
The Calina label seems to have hit its stride; this Carmenère opens with scents of black fruit, dill sprigs and chocolate. The palate broadens with olive, plum, blackberry and coffee flavors, and as a whole it comes together with a certain ease that announces it’s on the money.  — M.S.  (11/15/2007)
90
points

Chilensis 2009 Lazuli Red (Maule Valley)

  1. $23
Fruity and floral on the nose, with plenty of sweet spice notes, balsam wood and depth. The palate on this five-grape, Syrah-led blend is full, with slightly edgy acidity that should allow it to age well. Shows core cassis, berry and plum flavors in front of a bullish finish with chocolate and vanilla.  — M.S.  (12/1/2011)
Showing items 1 through 8 of 365