Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
Many people think of the wine regions in South America as relatively new, but winemaking in this area dates to the 16th century, when monks were making wine from Mission grapes. But it wasn't until the late 1800s that Vitis vinifera plantings of grapes such as Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon took root in countries like Chile and Argentina. Both countries have come into their own as prolific sources for quality, great-value wines. Today's selection highlights a mixed bag from both large and small producers, showcasing how both Chile and Argentina, with their multitude of microclimates, can make wines from a variety of grapes.
ALTOCEDRO Cabernet Sauvignon La Consulta Año Cero 2018
WS review: Rich, ripe and filled with luscious dark fruit and spice flavors, including kirsch, plum and cherry, turning creamy midpalate. Medium-grained tannins show on the finish, which is filled with dark chocolate and mocha hints. Drink now through 2023. From Argentina. 560 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Winemaker Karim Mussi Saffie grew up alongside his father's business brokering bulk wine. In 1999, he decided to start his own wine venture, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Altocedro is a boutique operation, making wines from old-vine vineyards in Mendoza's higher elevations. The wines are often aged in concrete vats to retain fruit aromas and flavors, before finishing in oak; they show more purity of fruit rather than oak influence.
CADUS WINES Malbec Mendoza Blend De Alturas 2014
WS review: This is loaded with blueberry, blackberry and dark currant flavors that are rich and well-spiced. Chocolate mousse notes lead into a lusciously creamy finish. Drink now through 2024. From Argentina. 790 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Cadus began in the cellars of Nieto Senetiner, one of Argentina's oldest estates, before evolving into its own independent label, focused on small-production wines from Mendoza's provinces. The Blend de Alturas comes from three sites—Los Arboles and Chacayes in Uco Valley, and Alto Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo—each lending to this rich and well-spiced Malbec.
MONTGRAS Syrah Colchagua Valley Antu 2016
WS review: Dense, brooding and powerful, featuring plenty of smoky accents to the ripe dark plum and baked cherry flavors. Powerful Asian spice notes emerge midplate, revealing a long finish that is rich with dark chocolate and tobacco leaf details. Drink now through 2024. From Chile. 1,000 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Founded in 1993, Montgras has quickly become one of Chile's largest family-owned wineries. Its Antu range highlights terroirs from different single vineyards. The Syrah hails from a vineyard planted on mountain slopes in Colchagua Valley, southwest of Santiago. Poor soils and a slightly cooler climate yield a concentrated and complex wine.
VIÑA GARCÉS SILVA Pinot Noir Leyda Valley Amayna 2016
WS review: Crushed red fruit flavors are accented by graphite notes in this firm, fleshy version. Chocolate nib and floral details show on the finish. Drink now through 2022. From Chile. 500 cases imported.
Why it's of note: The Garcés Silva family was among the first to invest in Leyda Valley, a subregion of San Antonio known for being very cool. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, just 7 miles away, makes it an ideal spot for growing Pinot Noir, as grapes ripen slowly while acidity levels remain high, resulting in wines that are fresh and elegant.
LAPOSTOLLE Merlot Colchagua Valley Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard 2015
WS review: Notes of dried mint and savory spice accent the concentrated dark plum and cherry tart flavors. Dark chocolate and Asian spice hints emerge on the finish. Drink now through 2022. From Chile. 504 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Grapes for this Lapostolle wine come from the winery's Apalta Vineyard, located in the center of Colchagua Valley. Situated between two mountain ranges, sun exposure is tempered in both the morning and evening, extending the growing season in this almost semi-arid climate. Slow maturation leads to high concentration and expressive flavors, like we see in this Merlot.
VIÑA MONTES Carmenère Colchagua Valley Alpha 2017
WS review: Lots of loamy notes accent the mocha, ground coffee and roasted plum flavors. The ripe finish features green herbal accents and firm tannins. Drink now. From Chile. 1,000 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Since its founding in 1988, Viña Montes has become a leading force in Chilean wine, exporting to more than 100 countries today. A little over half of the wine is aged in used French oak barrels, retaining the natural ripe fruit and herb flavors of Carmenère, while the new oak shows its influence with hints of mocha and coffee.