Odfjell

The early beginnings of Odfjell Winery began some 25 years ago when Norwegian ship owner Dan Odfjell discovered and fell in love with a small corner of the famous Maipo Valley of Chile. He had purchased a freight terminal property in Rotterdam in the 1980s but he soon realized his passion was for wine. The first Odfjell vineyards were planted in 1992 and five years later the winery was built in 1997 according to our Odfjell wine reviews. Odfjell wines benefit from a gravity flow system in the winery which allows for extremely gentle handling of the grapes. The winery itself is carved into a slope above the vineyards with over 60% of the winery underground according to our Odfjell wine reviews. Today Odfjell has over 200 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Malbec planted in Maipo Valley and more vineyards planted in Cauquenes and Curico. For a full list of reviewed wines check out our Odfjell wine ratings below.

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Odfjell 2003 Orzada Malbec (Curicó Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $18

Exceedingly fruity, with graham cracker and jelly bean aromas. It’s a berry lover’s paradise, with bold, jammy flavors pushed by pulsating acidity. Very racy and nice, with purity and lots of depth. Editors’ Choice. — M.S. (11/1/2005)

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Odfjell 2005 Orzada Carmenère (Maule Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $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)

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Odfjell 2006 Orzada Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)

Price $20

Great wine and great value, too. The nose is a blend of floral, graphite and cassis aromas, while the firm and rugged palate is packed with sweet, friendly cookie, chocolate, coffee and berry flavors. If the tannins seem a little aggressive now, time should come to the rescue. Otherwise, there’s very little to pick at and a lot more to praise. — M.S. (5/1/2009)

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Odfjell 2006 Orzada Carmenère (Maule Valley)

Price $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)

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Odfjell 2003 Aliara Red (Central Valley)

Online Exclusive

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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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)

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Odfjell 2003 Armador Carmenère (Maule Valley)

Best Buy

Price $12

The Odfjell family, originally from Norway, understands the shipping business and they also understand how to make wines with deep flavors and smooth textures. And whereas Carmenère frequently tastes of bell peppers or worse, this has to be one of the best, most full versions we’ve come across. Black olive, herbs and dried fruits carry the nose. Lush in the mouth;… — M.S. (11/15/2005)

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Odfjell 2004 Orzada Malbec (Lontué Valley)

Price $18

One big step up from the value level is this classy, succulent Malbec from Odfjell, a winery whose successes far outnumber its duds. Expect opening aromas of toasted coconut, black cherry, mocha and even fresh mushroom. The palate is blazing with sweet berry and plum flavors, and then chocolate and coffee take over on the finish. It’s the full package in terms of… — M.S. (9/1/2007)

Most Reviewed Designations

Aliara Armador Babor Odfjell Orzada Orzada Organic Orzada Tres Esquinas Organic Rojo

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Carignan Carineña Carmenère Malbec Merlot Red Blend Sauvignon Blanc Syrah

2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza

Black fruit, raisin and minerally aromas combine to create a formidable…

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