Couple of weeks ago we tried a chardonnay and a cabernet from Concha y Toro, a big Chilean wine company (akin to Southcorp in terms of production). Both were reserve wines from 1995 vintage: Amelia chardonnay ($18)and Don Melchor cabernet sau.($37) They were fantastic especially the cab. really exotic, perfumed, seamless, intense fruit but in perfect balance, no overt harsh tannic structure... I could go on and on. The cab was made with borrowed expertise from Mouton Rothschild (france). For $37 it would most top Australian wine a run for their money.Throughly recommended.



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The Chileans have learnt from the Yanks that they should make their wines to drink early rather than the tannic monsters of Australia. This is a smart move as 90% of all wines are consumed within 24 hours of purchase. I think Penfolds could learn something from these guys and in fact may have. The 1996 Bin 389 is surprisingly approachable now as apposed to the 1990 Bin 707 I had a few weeks ago. It was like a 2 year old cabernet and may need another 10 years before it resurfaces from the bowels of my cellar. Too long to wait!!!!



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Chilean merlot is always a great introduction to South American wine, surprisingly robust and smooth. Since it is so difficult to find good affordable merlot, a glass of purple fruit from Chile is a fantastic alternative.



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