Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 2011

This is a highly complex, totally compelling wine…and a great value to boot.  The 2011 Maquis "Lien" is a blend of 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Carménère, 25% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot.  Full-bodied but quite fresh and never "heavy," it shows highly appealing aromas of dried herbs, cedar, and ripe dark berries, with beautifully balanced fruit offering open flavors framed by fine tannins and subtle oak and enlivened by good acidity.  Always excellent, this is particularly good in 2011, and readers should take note that this is the current release–meaning that you’ll be getting a nicely matured wine that is ready to enjoy, thanks to someone else having done the cellaring for you.