Sunday, September 28, 2014

Report from ... Marques de Casa Concha with Marcelo Papas - May 28, 2014

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 ...

The multi-award winning winemaker of Concha y Toro, Marcelo Papas,
who took over the Marques line in 1999 - and has never looked back.
As Marcelo talks, a bottle of 2012 Chardonnay was decanted ...
we try both the bottles and decanted version.
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. (****)
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+)
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. (****+)
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.
2012 Carmenere ($19.95)
quite a spicy wine with blueberry and raspberry notes; juicy, rich and full with big tannins

2008 Carmenere (N/A)
soft and supple with a juiciness that gives layers of flavour to the palate
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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