This is the second vintage of LOTA, a limited production (1500 cases) wine which has instantly become one of Chile’s icons. The 2005 LOTA is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It was barrel-fermented and aged for 15 months in 85% new French oak. Saturated purple in color, it delivers a fragrant bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Layered, bordering on opulent, it offers up mouth-filling, savory fruit, spicy black fruit flavors, excellent depth and concentration, and a long, fruit-filled finish. It will evolve for 4-5 years and be at its best from 2013 to 2025. Cousino-Macul was one of the first wineries from Chile to make a breakthrough into the American market primarily due to the hard work of importer Alfredo Bartholomaus. The quality of the wines has been consistently good but recent improvements in the vineyards and winery have taken quality up to another level.Importer: Billington Wines, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-4700; www.billingtonwines.com and www.cousinomacul.com