Errazuriz 2007 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc - 89pts

Errazuriz 2007 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley) - Chile

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $13.99 (375ml)
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: February 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Late Harvest wines offer an excellent and affordable alternative when the impressive funds needed to purchase icewines aren't available. Having been produced in Chile makes this excellent and highly concentrated, sweet Sauvignon Blanc from Errazuriz even more of a great value. The intense nose of apricot, lemon and honey is followed by and equally intense, watery-textured sweet palate of honeyed citrus flavours. Enjoy nearly all of the intensity of an icewine without the palate coating heaviness and at a fraction of the price. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Morandé 2008 Pionero Pinot Noir - 87pts

Morandé 2008 Pionero Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley) - Chile

Availability: Limited
Cost: $10-15
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 9th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Light and fruity, smooth and tasty is how I would describe this excellent, budget Pinot Noir from Chilean producer Morandé. Pale plum in colour with a medium intense nose of raspberries, strawberries, plums and cedar chips with a hint of mineral notes. The medium-bodied palate offers medium-plus tannins and acidity that blend nicely with the red-fruit and savory-spice flavours. A very easy-drinking and enjoyable wine that only lacks concentration of flavour to score higher. An early candidate for 2010 Top Value list.

I wish I had picked-up a case of this wine when the BCLDB was briefly offering it on sale at only $10. They seem to be no longer carrying this wine which is a mistake I hope to see corrected. Search it out in your local store in Canada and the US, you won't be disappointed. Simply, the best Pinot Noir under $15 I have ever tried.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010