2008 Gravas del Maipo

The 2008 Gravas del Maipo is a blend of 91% Syrah and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon that is aged for 17 months in French oak (70% new and 30% one-year old.) It has a well-defined bouquet with black currant, raspberry and a touch of crushed violet that exhibits fine lift. The palate is crisp and focused with pepper tinged dark berry fruit, black olives and a touch of truffle, although the finish does not demonstrate the precision and focus I would expect given the price. Drink now-2018. Concha y Toro needs no introduction. I did not have time to visit their facility, but driving past it, one could not help but be impressed by its size. For many around the world, Concha y Toro forms their entrance to Chilean wine. With an exhausting array of wines from seemingly every corner of Chile, I found their wines to play it safe. Few reached the standards I expected, even if many represent good value. At the top end, the wines were good rather than great vis-a-vis its peers, with the notable exception of the Don Melchor. Importer: Excelsior Wine Company; www.banfivintners.com