Antiyal’s 2008 Alto del Maipo Valley is composed of 52% Carmenere, 25% Syrah, and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 12 months in French oak. It offers up an already complex bouquet of Asian spice, herbal notes, incense, tobacco, blueberry, and blackberry. In the glass it opens to reveal full body, plush, layered fruit, succulent flavors, excellent balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Give it 3-4 years of additional cellaring to reveal its full potential and drink this classy effort from 2015 to 2023. All of Antiyal’s vineyards are farmed biodynamicallyImporter: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; www.tedwardwines.com and Global Vineyard Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 527-5877

The 2008 Antiyal is a blend of 43% Carmenere, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Syrah. It offers up an inviting nose of pain grille, pencil lead, herbs, olives, and assorted black fruits. Structured on the palate and full-bodied, it will benefit from 2-3 years of additional cellaring. This lengthy effort will be at its best between 2014 and 2020. All of Antiyal’s vineyards are farmed biodynamicallyImporter: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; www.tedwardwines.com and Global Vineyard Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 527-5877

7 Every year this wine impresses and scores the same, so give credit to Antiyal for consistent high quality. This vintage shows milk chocolate, leather and char on the nose along with deep berry aromas. The palate is full and lush, with cassis, cherry, berry and a light leafiness. Mildly herbal but that’s pure Maipo Valley for you; Carmenere, Cabernet and Syrah is the blend. Drink now–2013. ——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 91