Spice- and smoke-accented dark berry aromas show very good energy and a hint of candied licorice. At once fleshy and lively, offering sweet blackcurrant and cherry flavors and a subtle mineral undertone. Hangs on with strong tenacity on the gently tannic finish, leaving sappy dark fruit flavors behind. I find this wine quite approachable after an hour or so of air.

This wine has a fresh note of red fruits, violets, a hint of raspberry leaf and some yummy notes of cooked meat with the complexity of old vines that have slowly developed over time. The fruit is bright and shiny, with a high-toned mix of ripe peaches and flowers, something I have seen in other wines from Cachapoal. The palate is vibrant with fine tannins, and supple with a strong imprint from the soil rather than the fruit, finishing with a high-toned licorice note. A great terroir-driven red. Drink 2014-2020.

This wine has a fresh note of red fruits, violets, a hint of raspberry leaf and some yummy notes of cooked meat with the complexity of old vines that have slowly developed over time. The fruit is bright and shiny, with a high-toned mix of ripe peaches and flowers. The palate is vibrant with fine tannins, and supple with a strong imprint from the soil rather than the fruit, finishing with a high-toned licorice note. Drink 2014-2020.

A snappy red, with flavors of mulberry, dried blackberry and dark plum that feature plenty of savory accents. Licorice and tar notes linger on the rich and well-spiced finish. Drink now.

A snappy red, with flavors of mulberry, dried blackberry and dark plum that feature plenty of savory accents. Licorice and tar notes linger on the rich and well-spiced finish. Drink now.

The 2008 Old Bush Vines Las Cruces Single Vineyard is composed of 66% Malbec and 34% Carmenere aged in new French oak barriques for 14 months. Toasty oak, earthy minerals, incense, Asian spices, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry are followed by a plush, satin textured, suave offering with lots of spice and black fruit flavors. It has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will deliver prime drinking from 2014 to 2023.

The 2008 Single Vineyard Las Cruces is mainly dry-farmed Malbec planted in 1956 augmented by Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a fresh bouquet with blackberry, raspberry leaf, dried rose petal and mulberry fruit that has an attractive lift and purity, but not powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins, good acidity and a natural, uncomplicated with flavorsome finish with mulberry, black pepper, sage and a touch of cured meat. Drink now-2017.

A dominant nutmeg note frames the ripe blackberry and black currant notes that pick up light herb and iron notes on the finish. Malbec and Carmenère. Drink now.

Glass-staining purple. Black and blue fruits on the nose, with smoky herb and violet qualities adding complexity. Fat but surprisingly lithe, showing sweet blackberry and boysenberry flavors and good back-end cut. Silky tannins add shape to a long, juicy, penetrating finish.

The 2007 Old Bush Vines Las Cruces Vineyard was aged for 24 months in new French oak. It is a blend of 65% Malbec and 35% Carmenere from a vineyard that was originally planted 70 years ago. It gives up an intriguing nose of pain grille, pencil lead, cinnamon, lilac, black cherry, and blueberry. Velvety-textured and plush, it has outstanding depth, chewy fruit, succulent flavors, and excellent balance. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 8-10 years.

Dark and dense, but also lively, as the core of fig, blueberry reduction and plum sauce is layered nicely with a briary edge that adds grip and tang. There’s good range through the finish. Malbec and Carmenere. Drink now through 2013.

The De Martino family and winemaker Marcelo Retamal are in the forefront of Chile’s quest for new and extreme terroirs, as well as old vineyards that have essentially been forgotten for the past 50 years. One of these exciting locations is the Single Vineyard Old Bush Vines, which produces Las Cruces, a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Carmenere. The ’06 version is elegant yet ripe, with aromas of crushed raspberry, red cherry, and black plum, accompanied by layers of exotic spice, tobacco, and licorice. It will benefit from a few years in bottle and a short decanting.

The 2006 Old Bush Vines Las Cruces is sourced from an ungrafted vineyard planted in 1957. A blend of Malbec and Carmenère, the wine spent 15 months in French oak. It reveals an alluring nose of Asian spices, blueberry, black cherry, pencil lead, and violets. Layered and savory on the palate, it boasts superb concentration and a pure, long finish. Give it 3 – 4 years in the cellar and drink it from 2013 to 2021.

A broad, ripe wine, with crushed plum, red cherry and raspberry fruit layered with alluring spice, aged tobacco and licorice snap notes. The long finish has nice briar and shaved vanilla hints. This should flesh out with modest cellaring. Drink now through 2011.