The 2010 Kuyen is a blend of 57% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Carmenere and 2% Petit Verdot raised for twelve month in a combination of one, two and three year old French oak. It has a refined bouquet of blackberry, wild hedgerow and raspberry leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with light tensile tannin. It is taut and natural; never entertaining the notion of complexity but with a soft, pleasing finish. Drink now-2015. Although I met dozens of winemakers during my time in Chile, meeting with Alvaro Espinoza is the one that sticks in my mind. Having entered many large-scale wineries producing decent, if sometimes predictable wines, Antiyal came as an antidote with its bijou size, biodynamic practices, the alpacas standing guard at the winery and the charismatic winemaker himself. Alvaro actually studied with Telmo Rodriguez and has lived in Bordeaux. His vines cover just 8 hectares, which includes the original single hectare homestead, although he has purchased conjoining land where he has planted some Grenache. I found his wines to be full of character and personality, wines that demonstrated flair and originality that Chile is beginning to show more and more.Importers: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 233-1504; Global Vineyard Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 527-5877

This round red delivers a spicy core of roasted plum and fig fruit framed by hints of mesquite and mocha that expand on the broad, rich finish. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Petit Verdot. Drink now. 1,000 cases made.??–NW??Region: Chile / Central Valley-Chile / Maipo / Maipo Valley Select to Add