The 2008 Marques de Casa Concha Syrah (with 4% Carmenere in the blend) was sourced from the Quinta de Maipo Vineyard in Maipo and spent 18 months in 37% new French oak. Notes of smoke, game, pepper, lavender, and blueberry are followed by a firm, balanced, savory Syrah in need of a more ebullient personality. Even so, it is a very good value that can be approached now and over the next 5-6 years. Cocha y Toro is the largest wine producer in Chile as the above list attests. Remarkably, they are also one of the quality leaders and innovators leading the country forward. The Gran Reserva Serie are wines made from a single vineyard meant to display a particular terroir. The Marques de Casa Concha wines are also sourced from single vineyards but exposed to more new oak and a longer elevage. Some of the finest wines produced in Chile, particularly from the Carmenere grape, are being bottled and sold under the Terrunyo label under the direction of veteran winemaker Ignacio Recabarren.Importer: Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY; tel. (516) 626-9200

Dense and ripe, with layers of mouthfilling linzer torte, hoisin sauce, plum pudding and licorice snap, all backed by solid grip on the briar- and spice-filled finish. Very solid. Drink now through 2011. 9,900 cases made, 1,900 cases imported.??–JM??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Maipo / Buin Select to Add

Nice aromas of cherry fruit and sweetness are perfectly clean, while the palate is slightly spunky and high in acid, with wild-berry flavors running side by side with red cherry and citrus. Has a tart, blazing side but also very good fruit character and purity——M.S.(12/1/2010)—— 88