De Martino 2008 Alto Los Toros Syrah - 91pts

De Martino 2008 Alto Los Toros Syrah (Elqui Valley) Chile

Availability: Limited. Private wine stores or special order
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14.4%
Date Tasted: March 2nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: At 1600m above sea level, the Elqui Valley vineyards which produce the fruit for this impressive Syrah and Petit Verdot blend (85-15%), are some of the highest altitude plantings in the world. The result is an excellent, dense, cool-climate Syrah with concentrated licorice, vanilla and red fruit flavours and loads of spicy, mineral notes. Big, cracked pepper flavours linger on the long finish. Drink 2012-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Geo Wines 2009 Chono Syrah Reserva - 88+pts

Geo Wines 2009 Chono Syrah Reserva (Elqui Valley) Chile

Availability: Limited. Private wine stores or special order
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 2nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: There's an impressive amount of elegance and diversity packed into this under $20 Syrah from Geo Wines. Produced in the Elqui Valley, one of Chile's most northern and driest wine regions, this savoury, terroir expressing Syrah offers a gorgeous palate of oak spice, minerals, smoked meats, leather and dark, brooding fruit. Has the tannins and acid to keep another 4+ years and may develop further, but don't let that keep you from enjoying it right way. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca