Undurraga 2017 T.H. Cabernet Sauvignon - 93+pts

Undurraga 2017 T.H. Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley) Chile

Availability: Private stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $44-50
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 2nd, 2020
Production: 3158 cases

Tasting Notes: A fresh and vibrant alternative to your pricey, uber-extracted (and, occasionally, overly-serious) California Cab and to the hibernating Bordeaux in your cellar which you aren't yet ready to open, the Undurraga 'T.H.' (standing for Terroir Hunter) delivers the depth and concentration you desire from Cabernet Sauvignon, without the wait or the hefty price.

All darkiddy-dark on the licorice, cassis, eucalyptus and black pepper scented nose and the similarly flavoured, oh-so-long lasting palate. Touch of smokey tannin, pepper and blackberry puree linger through to the next sip. Ready to go now or hold for some further development. Drink 2020-2024.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Viña Santa Rita 2008 Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon - 86pts

Viña Santa Rita 2008 Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon (Alto Jahuel) Maipo Valley - Chile

Availability: BCLDB stores, general listing
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: June 26th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The nice, dark berry infused, intense Cab nose verges on Australian in its concentration and potency. Light mint and eucalyptus notes further the comparison, but the similarities end on the dry, heavily extracted palate where cassis, blackberry, green pepper, dried herbs, pine needle and licorise flavours blend with mineral and French oak notes. Ultra ripe is one thing. Extracting every molecule of intensity is another and the balance skews towards overdone and over-acidic in the Medalla Real and that makes it hard to enjoy without food. Drink 2014-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2012

Viña Santa Alicia 2010 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon - 89pts

Viña Santa Alicia 2010 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley) Chile

Availability: Everything Wine
Cost: $17-19
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: The Santa Alicia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is a drink me now wine, but that doesn't exclude it from deserved praise; few Cabernets designed for early consumption are this good and affordable. Neither tannin-heavy nor an extraction-a-ganza, the focus of this wine is the pure cassis and blackberry fruit expression delivered with minimal influence from oak, yet clearly produced from some quality, ripe fruit. Only medium-plus in body, the fruit is left to shine on its own resulting in a relatively light weight Cabernet full of complex terroir-driven flavours. The finish is long and v.well balanced with lingering smoke and dark berry fruit notes. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Viña Santa Carolina 2009 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon - 88pts

Viña Santa Carolina 2009 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon (Valle Del Maipo) Chile

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The nose of this dense and brooding Cabernet Sauvignon is engaging and intense. Dark berry and spicy oak aromas dominate yet there's room for light violet notes and a hint of cinnamon.

Ripe, concentrated, jammy dark fruit follows on the dry palate with smooth tannins and lively acidity. The finish is both juicy and tart, refreshing your mouth for the next sip, but the fruit dissolves a bit too quickly leaving unbalanced burnt oak notes to linger. The wine screams out for hard cheeses like gruyère or double-smoked cheddar which compliment the texture nicely and mask any unbalanced elements. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2012

Undurraga 2008 Sibaris Pinot Noir - 86pts

Undurraga 2008 Sibaris Pinot Noir (Maipo Valley) Chile

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $14-16

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: April 4th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A pleasant Pinot Noir from Chilean producer Undurraga that is easy to drink and easy on the pocket book. Perfect for a night when you want a laid-back, fruity Pinot with a splash of oak and don't want to spend a bunch for something more complex and challenging.

Nice fruit intensity on the nose of wild berries , light cedar and a hint of spice. Red berries, ripe tannins, medium acidity, medium body and a decent finish greet you on the palate. Pair with traditional Pinot Noir fare like lamb and medium fish. Drink now through 2011.
 - Liam Carrier