(R) Cono Sur: "Bicicleta" Pinot Noir 2011, from Central Valley, Chile

Appearance
A semi-pale dark ruby that looks delicious!

Smell
Early: Full of dark cherries, and an indistinct punchy aroma of plums with some alcohol heat
Later: Subtly decaying bramble fruits and forest undergrowth, with some plums

Palate
Dry, medium acidity and very little tannin (not surprising for a Pinot) and not too alcoholic. The mouthfeel is light and other than some upfront fruit flavours of sour cherry and plums, you should find some dried undergrowth on the back palate.

Tale
Being a New World winery, it's no surprise Cono Sur are focusing on innovation and technology to produce fantastic wines at very convenient prices. Cono Sur, or "Southern Cone" in English, refers to the region of South America, in particular in the west where Chilean valleys provide ideal geography for viticulture.

Founded in 1993, Cono Sur exported more than 30,000 cases from the inaugural vintage, launching the brand onto the market. By 1999 the Pinot Noir project was underway, with integrated vineyard management in place, which encourages insects and animals live amongst the vines as a natural defence from pests. In 2008 the winery capacity reached 3,900,000L, with a new Pinot facility capable of ageing 130,000L of a total 396,000L Pinot at the facility. With current capacity at 12ML, Cono Sur remains one of the most prolific Chilean producers, both in terms of volume and value.

The greatest criticism is that for a wine of this colour and mouthfeel, the flavours are much fuller and representative of a light Merlot, compared to what's expected of a Pinot. Similar to a sledgehammer that looks & handles like a ball-peen hammer, this wine packs much more of a punch that what you'd expect. This is amazing straight from the bottle, but once it's open, do not hesitate in drinking it, as it'll only go downhill.

Price: $10
Quality: ☆☆☆
Value:   ☆☆☆☆

http://www.conosur.com/wines/bicicleta-pinot-noir/
https://www.vintagecellars.com.au/Red%20Wine/cono-sur-pinot-noir-750ml_6094186

 

(R) Concha Y Toro: "Casillero del Diablo" Carmenere Reserva 2011, from Rapel Valley, Chile

Appearance
A deep ruby with thick & slow legs

Smell
Early: Dried rose petals, black cherries & damp undergrowth
Later: Undergrowth, baked plums, vanilla & sweet spices

Palate
Dry, with moderate acid, fine & subtle tannins that slowly build, a fairly low alcohol mouthfeel (for a red) & a fairly light body. Very easy drinking!
Gentle flavours of spiced plums, stewed cherries and spices, including cloves and pepper, with a bit of tobacco coming through late on a long finish.

Tale
"The most recognisable premium Chilean wine brand"
Local legend is that in an attempt to stop thieves raiding his private cellar, Don Melchor (who founded Concha Y Toro winery in 1871) spread rumour of the devil living in his cellar. Hence the name, which very roughly translates as Cellar of the Devil (or the Devil's Winerack).
In 1962 German winemaker Goetz von Gersdorff took over as chief winemaker and the following year Casillero del Diablo began exporting to Europe. 40 years later, the brand had spread to more than 100 countries. In recent years Casillero del Diablo has become the official wine of Manchester United.

Price: $15
Quality: ☆☆☆☆
Value:   ☆☆☆☆

https://www.vintagecellars.com.au/Red%20Wine/casillero-del-diablo-carmenere-750ml_4705267
http://www.casillerodeldiablo.com/minisitios/productos_en/reserva/home.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9gqkgHxR4I

(R) Wente: "Beyer Ranch" Zinfandel 2009, from Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, CA, USA

Appearance
A medium ruby to garnet & fairly viscous

Smell
Early: Raspberries, sour cherries, vanilla, smoky charcuterie & some pepper
Later: Raspberries, plums, some stalky tomato & vanilla

Palate
Dry, with moderate acid, light & fine tannins & a deceptively low alcohol mouthfeel, which all make this feel like a lighter red, but at 15% it will knock you around!
Bold & upfront flavours of plums, raspberries, confected cherry flavourings, raisins and some subtle oak-influence in the background giving vanilla, cracked pepper and nutmeg that linger on a moderately long finish.

Tale
The original Wente winemakers were German immigrants who bought their first 47 acres of Livermore Valley vines in 1883. The winery is currently run by 4th and 5th generation Wente winemakers & vignerons, and is proudly the USA's oldest continuously run, family-operated winery.
Highlights for the winery have included:
- Establishing their own clone of Chardonnay in 1912, which now produces the majority of California's Chardonnay
- Producing the USA's first varietally labelled Chadonnay, Sauv Blanc & Semillon
- Building an 18-hole Wente Vineyard golf  course in 1998 (designed by Greg Norman)

Price: $18
Quality: ☆☆☆☆
Value:   ☆☆☆

https://www.vintagecellars.com.au/Red%20Wine/wente-vineyards-beyer-ranch-zinfandel-750ml-2009_7902264
https://www.wentevineyards.com

(W) Tsantali: Retsina, from Greece

Smell
Early: Green and acidic (almost offensive!), quite vegetal with minimal fruit.
Later: N/A - one glass was one too many

Taste
This is surprisingly unpleasant, which is the same reaction I have to most Sauv Blanc. The mouthfeel can only be described as sharp and biting. The only noticable flavours are grasses, wood and pain.

Tale
Now in their fourth generation of winemakers, the Tsantali family have been making wine and grape-based spirits in Greece since 1890. Some of Tsantali's notable vineyard sites include Mount Athos, Mount Olympus and the island of Santorini.
This Retsina apparently has pine resin added to the must & is matured in pine barrels, which may explain the unique flavour. In any case, it should be avoided unless you believe grassy Kiwi Sauv Blanc is the only real wine, as this bottle is the white version of Hungarovin's "Szekszárdi" Kadarka.

Price: $10 (or 2L for $17)
Quality: ☆
Value:   ☆

http://www.tsantali.com/portfolio/tsantali-retsina
http://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_52222