91
points
Misiones de Rengo 2007 Cuvée Carmenère (Rapel Valley)
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$20
Looking for a juggernaut red that cries out for steak? Give this lush, stylish, nearly flawless Carmenère a shot and you won’t be disappointed. The nose opens with toast, mineral, herbs, olive and berry fruit, and the palate is more of the same. In terms of feel, it’s smooth and elegant, yet ripe and forceful. Finishes crusty and long. A winner from a winery that…
— M.S.
(5/1/2009)
91
points
Santa Carolina 2007 Reserva de Familia Carmenère (Rapel Valley)
- Best Buy
- Online Exclusive
-
$15
Santa Carolina’s Reserva de Familia red wines from 2007 are vastly improved from what the winery has done for the past two decades. This wine—along with the RdF Cabernet Sauvignon—show immense color and fruit, but also balance, structure and a friendliness that can’t be mass produced. This wine is loaded with cassis, cherry, cola, mint, toast and bacon. And for $15…
— M.S.
(5/1/2009)
91
points
Anakena 2008 Ona Red (Rapel Valley)
- Best Buy
- Online Exclusive
-
$15
Big and earthy, with char, savory spice and black fruit aromas. The palate is full and bold, with ripe tannins and delicious flavors of herbs, baked berries, integrated spice and leather. Smooth, long and muscular; made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah.
— M.S.
(9/1/2011)
91
points
Lapostolle 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rapel Valley)
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$12
As good as this winery’s more elite Cuvée Alexandre. Represents one of the best values in the world of Cabernet. Clean, expressive spicy fruit in the nose. Weightless and ripe in the mouth, with a soft, vanilla-tinged ending. For a winery known for powerful oak treatment, this one is mild and is drinkable right away. Best Buy.
— M.S.
(11/15/1999)
91
points
Lapostolle 2002 Cuvée Alexandre Syrah (Rapel Valley)
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$22
The first Cuvée Alexandre Syrah on record is better than adequate; it’s exciting and intriguing, two huge virtues. The nose offers pepper, blackberry and vanilla, while the palate is entirely ripe, meaty and intensely spicy. A real comer amid Chile’s new wave of Syrahs.
— W.E.
(3/1/2005)