I have met Marcelo Papas on a number of occasions when he swings through Toronto ... his wines are always worth trying: the whites yes, but especially the reds - which the Marques line excels at ... their age-ability at the price point they offer these wines at is extraordinary and past tastings have proven this time and time again.
Today we taste through 8 wines - most are current, but there are one or two surprises along the way ...
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| The multi-award winning winemaker of Concha y Toro, Marcelo Papas, who took over the Marques line in 1999 - and has never looked back. |
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| As Marcelo talks, a bottle of 2012 Chardonnay was decanted ... we try both the bottles and decanted version. |
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| 2012 Chardonnay ($19.95) Grapes are grown in the Limari Valley (in red clay loam and limestone soils), preferrably for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and aged in classic Burgundian barrels Bottle: closed but with potential - Decanted: opens up ot be quite enjoyable Final Analysis: aromas of butter and baked apple; palate is creamy yet with a nice balancing acidity ... peach compote, hints of vanilla, and an interesting spiciness - round and pleasant with a long finish. (****) |
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| 2013 Pinot Noir ($19.95) Another Limari Valley grown wine Final Analysis: black cherry and black raspberry fills the nose; palate is fruit forward with nice spice along with violets, cassis and sweet cranberry tannins ... well balanced finish. (*** 1/2+) |
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| 2011 Merlot ($19.95) from the Peumo Vineyard in the Cachapoal Valley wine has between 7-12% Cabernet Sauvignon added every year Final Analysis: this is what Chilean Merlot is all about ... minted blackberry aromas with a juicy palate loaded with blackberry, raspberry, mocha and spice ... finish has silky tannins with blueberry skin notes and a lovely linger. (****+) |
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| Carmenere 2012 and 2008 Another grape grown at the Peumo Vineyard which has perfect soils for both Merlot and Carmenere ... this wine always contains 15% Cabernet Sauvignon - the 2008 and 2012 vintages were similar according to Marcelo - so we tasted them side by side. |
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| 2012 Carmenere ($19.95) quite a spicy wine with blueberry and raspberry notes; juicy, rich and full with big tannins |
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| 2008 Carmenere (N/A) soft and supple with a juiciness that gives layers of flavour to the palate |
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| 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95) Fruit taken from the Puento Alto Vineyard in the Maipo Valley Final Analysis: this is a real beauty from nose to back of the tongue ... Aromas are alluringly full with raspberry, cherry, cassis and so much more; juicy palate shows off blackberry, raspberry chocolate, and spiced cherry - this one keeps making you wanna go back for more. (**** 1/2) |
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