Best Chilean Wine Varieties
Clos du Lican Syrah 2021 is a premium red wine from the Apalta Valley in Chile, made from 100% Syrah grapes. This wine has received exceptionally high ratings from wine critics, including a perfect 100 points from James Suckling, who described it as "ethereal and endless," with aromas of lavender, sage, dried potpourri, blackberries, tar, pepper, and black licorice.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine 98 points, highlighting its deep purple color and notes of darker berries, cassis, smoked herbs, spring flowers, and ground pepper. He described it as "the best Syrah I've tasted from South America."
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a premium Chilean red wine produced in the Puente Alto region. This wine ages for 15 months in French oak barrels, 71% of which are new and 29% second-use. It has a deep purple color and pronounced aromas of red fruit, with floral notes of violets and roses.
On the palate, it is flavorful, with a gentle start, followed by freshness, elegance, and the strength characteristic of wines from Puente Alto.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
Montes Muse 2021 is an exceptional red wine from the Maipo Valley in Chile, crafted entirely from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This wine boasts a deep ruby-red color with hints of fuchsia and crimson. On the nose, it presents intense aromas of black currants, violets, flower stems, bark, and damp earth, complemented by notes of mushrooms, black truffles, and tobacco.
The palate is full-bodied, featuring very fine tannins and exceptional integration, with complex layers of black currants, red cherries, plums, molasses, and subtle balsamic touches. It is elegant, harmonious, and sophisticated, with a long-lasting finish.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 98 points
2024
Morandé Black Series Pinot Noir is a distinguished red wine from Viña Morandé, crafted from grapes grown in Chile's Malleco Valley. Aromas of roses and fine wood, with notes of strawberries and fresh cherries. This wine exemplifies the winery's dedication to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their terroir.
This Pinot Noir pairs well with dishes such as beef, veal, poultry, and game meats like deer or venison.
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023
Vina Montes Outer Limits Old Roots Cinsault 2022 is a distinctive red wine from Chile's Colchagua Valley, crafted entirely from Cinsault grapes. This wine exhibits a vibrant ruby-red color with magenta hues. The nose is abundant with fresh aromas of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry, complemented by subtle hints of apricot and oak.
On the palate, it offers a balanced and fresh experience with medium body, vibrant red fruit flavors, finely grained tannins, and a long, mineral finish. This versatile wine pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, making it a perfect choice for most meals.
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2018
Baettig Vino de Viñedo "Los Parientes" Chardonnay 2022 is a distinguished white wine from the Traiguén area in Chile's Malleco Valley. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this wine showcases the unique terroir of the region. The winemaking process involves whole cluster pressing, followed by 24 hours of cold settling.
Fermentation is carried out in barrels using native yeasts, preserving the wine's authentic character. The wine is then aged for 8 months in French oak barrels, with 15% being new and the remainder used, allowing for subtle oak integration.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 97 points
2023
P. S. García Petit Verdot 2021 is a unique red wine produced in collaboration with the Mendoza family, aiming to revitalize the history of Chilean winemaking. This wine is the result of grafting the Petit Verdot variety onto more than 100-year-old País vines, cultivated in the dry interior of the historic Itata Valley, specifically in the Piedra Lisa vineyards.
This wine is characterized by its freshness, firm tannins, and full body, reflecting the allure of this variety.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 97 points
2023
Polkura Secano Dry Farmed Syrah 2021 is a premium red wine from Chile, made from 100% Syrah grapes grown without irrigation in the Marchigüe region of the Colchagua Valley. The wine is known for its purity and fragrant aromas, featuring notes of red cherries and flowers, with a hint of white fruit.
Polkura Secano Dry Farmed Syrah 2016 is an exceptional example of Chilean Syrah, showcasing the characteristics of its unique terroir and the producer's commitment to quality.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 96 points
2023
Matetic Vineyards' EQ Cool Climate Syrah is a distinguished red wine from Chile's San Antonio Valley, crafted from organically and biodynamically farmed grapes. This Syrah is known for its smoothness and complexity, reflecting the cool climate of its origin.
The wine is aged in French oak barrels, contributing to its depth and character. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of fruit and spice, with a lingering finish that showcases its elegance and structure. The wine's acidity and tannin structure make it suitable for aging, allowing further development of its complex flavors over time.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 95 points
2023
Viña Leyda's Canelo Vineyard Syrah is a distinguished red wine from Chile's Leyda Valley, celebrated for its cool coastal climate. This 100% Syrah varietal captures the unique terroir of the region. The wine presents an intensely spicy nose with notes of white pepper and bay leaf, complemented by aromas of blueberries and subtle violets.
The Canelo Vineyard Syrah exemplifies Viña Leyda's commitment to producing wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of the Leyda Valley's coastal terroir.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 94 points
2023
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