Notes from a Chile/Argentina tasting.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Was fortunate to co-host a small tasting downtown which featured a couple of Cabs from Chile.

WTN: `03 Veramonte 'Primus'Merlot-CabSauv-Carmenere (Casablanca Valley).

I am not a big fan of Veramonte and this wine has not changed my mind. Starting to show some brick already, nose is black fruits, green peppers and herbs. Still quite tannic but some nice fruit extraction in the background. A keeper for a couple of years but I wonder? Not for me. Cost $28 Cdn, ouch.

WTN: `03 Errazuriz Max Reserva Cab Sauv (Aconcaqua Valley).

Has some syrah blended in according to the rep present. Big fruity nose, some ripeness here with chocolate. Deep garnet colour, good depth. On the palate, briary flavours and black cherry and expresso. Not bad at all and was quite popular around the room. Wish all wines from this winery were like this!! Cost is $21 Cdn.

Other wines at the tasting.

`04 La Puerta Torrontes, Arg.
`04 PKNT Carmenere, Central V, Chile.
`04 Chakana Reserve Malbec,Mendoza, Arg.
`03 Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Cab Sauv, Mendoza Arg.
`03 Don Rodolfo Tannat, Cafayate V, Arg.
`04 Clos de la Siete, Arg.

Yup, a tough night!!!

[Alejandro Audisio]

Bob, what did you think of the Chakana Malbec Reserve...?

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Bob, what did you think of the Chakana Malbec Reserve...?

I do not have my notes handy but think wrote "way too young". It sure was not too popular in the room!