This is, quite simply, one of the handful best bargains that I’ve tasted in 2013, out of more than 8,000 wines. A blend of 46% Carmenere, 35% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows big-time richness and power, yet it never comes across as heavy or overblown. Highly expressive aromas of cedar and dried herbs announce its Chilean terroir, and the fruit shows lots of punchy dark berry flavor with just the right firming grip from oak and tannin. Extremely impressive and, frankly, superior in complexity to many reds from Napa or Bordeaux that sell for more than $50.
Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 2010
By Michael Franz