Charting Chilean Wine

Source: Toronto Sun

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Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Pinot Noir 2008

“Cono Sur has a special knack with Pinot Noir and kudos go out to winemakers Adolfo Hurtado and Matías Ríos for encouraging the local terroir to show in the best grapes. Underrated impressive cherries, strawberries and other fresh red fruits emerge in an earthy, spicy, lively, current-drinking style that is balanced enough to intergrate, round out and develop even more complexity with a few more years in the bottle. The 2008 was judged the best Pinot Noir at the 7th Annual Wines of Chile Competition in Santiago in January 2010.”
Wine Access Magazine / June-July 2010 / Canada
 

Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Day: Cono Sur Bicycle Pinot Noir 2009

“Very friendly, with effusive cherry and licorice snap notes backed by a lively finish. Drink now.”
James Molesworth (May 19, 2010)

Cono Sur Visión Syrah 2007

“Gorgeous nose, aromas of toasty, roasted black cherry, wild raspberry cassis with a scorched earth character. Outstanding nose leads to a silky entry of spiced black cherry, blackcurrant and plum fruit gliding across the palate, so well balanced with high quality tannin/acid adding to the whole. Superlative balance, great fruit treatment, just the right amount of toasty oak. Outstanding value, delicious red tasting like it’s twice the price… Scoop this one quickly… Wow factor plus!”
John Mackinnon / Canada

Wine of the Week: Cono Sur Gewürztraminer 2009

“The wine of the week is Cono Sur Gewürztraminer 2009, coming from Bío-Bío valley, the southernmost and coolest of the wine areas in Chile. The wine has clear typical grape aromas, without being overaromatic. The cool climate contributes in giving the wine a rare elegance for being a South American wine, and with a nice acidity for a Gewürztraminer. It appears as one of the best white wine from Chile at the moment.”
Arne Ronold / Norway

Cono Sur Visión Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009

“Bright green-yellow color. Lively aromas of lime zest, quince and green tea, with building herbacity. Dry, nervy and precise, offering tangy citrus and mineral flavors and a hint of honeysuckle. The herbal quality lingers on the long, spicy, focused finish. I like this wine’s complexity and light touch.”
Josh Raynolds / International Wine Cellar

Cono Sur Organic Sauvignon Blanc

“Cono Sur is one of the prettiest wineries I’ve ever visited. Their commitment to growing grapes organically is fervent and this succulent Sauvignon is a killer deal.”
Leslie Sbrocco / Epicurious / USA

Cono Sur Bicycle Viognier 2009

“Cono Sur Bicycle label Viognier is a nice introduction to this fresh and fragrant white variety. Its pleasant citrus, peach and spice notes and hint of honeyed sweetness make it a flavourful white to sip on its own, but it’s refreshing enough to pair nicely with a wide range of dishes. Great value.”
Christopher Waters / Toronto Sun / Canada
 

Cono Sur Visión Gewürztraminer 2007

“Mineral and soft gardenias aromas abound on the nose of this wine. It’s a really pleasant bouquet. The palate is crisp from near-perfect acidity. Apple, peach and citrus flavors make it quite tasty. It’s definitely a drier Gewurz, which is how I prefer it. The finish is elegant and interesting with perfume notes on the back of your palate. It’s very nice.”
www.cheapwineratings.com / USA

Cono Sur Carmenere 2008

“Those looking for a lean alternative would probably enjoy the 2008 Cono Sur Carmenere. It has distinct aspect of white pepper and cedar in its aroma, with berry and currant flavors on the palate. Pair this with well-seasoned, roasted poultry – a robust preparation of duck or quail would be especially nice.”
Thomas Caestecker / Chicago Budget Wine Examiner / USA

Cono Sur Reserva Carmenere 2008

“You wanted a wine to drink during that relaxed mood that invades us during the holidays, when nobody wants to think very much. Don’t search any more. At night, its beautiful ruby red colour opens your senses; the nose awakes the appetite, and the mouth… juicy, medium-bodied, and soft tannins, will light up the charcoal in one of those perfect camping places, with hot water showers and included hair driers. Put it on the table as soon as the sun sets and you will see that the good friends will not be absent.”
Mariana Martínez / Placeres Magazine / Chile
 

Cono Sur Bicycle Viognier 2009

“If consistency is something you value the Cono Sur Viognier must be high on your list. A replica of the ‘08 it is fresh and clean with nectarine, honey, grapefruit, ginger, orange aromas and flavours. Light refreshing New World style with myriad food possibilities. Crazy value.
www.gismondionwine.com / Canada

Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2008

“The latest ‘08 builds on the tradition of soft easy sipping pinot-flavoured fruit with spicy, liquorice root and black cherry flecks. Good mid-palate sweetens and with and earthy forest floor finish. Roast chicken, turkey or soft cheeses will pair well with this. As usual it is very good value pinot.”
www.gismondionwine.com / Canada

Cono Sur Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008

“There’s only limited stocks left on this apple crumble tasting bargain. Shame, so get it while you can. Costs a bit more, but tastes great. Sometimes a bottle of wine tastes so fab it’s still a bargain whatever it costs.”
Paula Goddard / Matures Times / UK

Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc 2008

“This wine is incredibly rich and lush on the palate with mineral laden ripe, grapefruit citrus and sweet melon fruit. Made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc aged in stainless steel. The fruit (clones 107, 242, 297) is from the upper slopes of El Centinela Vineyard in the coolest part of the Casablanca Valley just a few kilometers from the sea. The winemaker is Adolfo Hurtado.”
International Wine Review / USA

Cono Sur Viognier 2009

“By far the best deal on a bottle of bio-wine was this general list wine from Cono Sur, the 2009 Viognier. Great value on a wine loaded with fruit like peach, pear and apple.  Buy it for summer and consume it quick and chilled, this is not one for ageing, it’s definitely for drink now enjoyment.”
Michael Pinkus - Grape Guy

Cono Sur Riesling 2009

“Riesling, because of its high acidity and the tension between sweet and sour, is the most refreshing wine in warm weather. And, because it’s not the flavour of the month, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc it’s usually very inexpensive. Currently at the LCBO is a Riesling from Chile under a very good price. It’s Cono Sur Riesling 2009. The wine is pale straw in colour with a bouquet of lime and white flowers. The flavour is off-dry with honey and citrus notes that persist on the palate on lively acidity. “
Tony Aspler / Post City Magazines / Canada

Cono Sur Reserva Merlot

“Splendid multi-award-winning, slightly spicy merlot, packed with a nicely oaked plummy fruit plus cherry and blackurrant. Good partner for roast beef.”

Robin FitzGerald / The Hunts Post / UK

Cono Sur Visión Pinot Noir 2008

“Crafted from Chile’s oldest Pinot vines planted in 1968, its dark-cherry freshness delivers quality far above the price.”

Leslie Sbrocco / Epicurious / USA

Cono Sur Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2009

“Cono Sur is one of the prettiest wineries I’ve ever visited. Their commitment to growing grapes organically is fervent and this succulent Sauvignon is a killer deal.”

Leslie Sbrocco / Epicurious / USA
 

Cono Sur Sparkling Brut

“A new sparkling wine from Chile which is only just making its way into stores. Made from cool-climate Chardonnay from the southern reaches of Chile’s vineyards, it has a splash of Riesling and Pinot Noir to round out the flavours. Fairly dry compared with others on the shelves, this is an elegant fizz with good fruit and balance.”
Christine Austin / Yorkshire Post / USA

Cono Sur Bicycle Merlot 2008

Cono Sur wines are a triple threat: They are among the best bargains in the liquor store, and they are also organic and sustainable farmed. This spicy merlot is intense, with plum and cherry flavours.
Annie Reid and Kelly Robson / Chatelaine Magazine / Canada
 

Cono Sur Bicycle Viognier 2008

A dazzling value, showing vibrancy, depth and complexity well beyond its price. The secret? Viognier was grafted onto chenin blanc vines that were planted in 1957; the old vines add intensity to the flavours. Expect lifted aromas of spearmint, starfruit and pepper. Light to mid-weight and zesty, with some typical Viognier bitterness. The 2009 should be just as good.
Toronto Eating & Drink Guide 2010 / Canada

Cono Sur Bicycle Pinot Noir 2008

This has been a general list staple for several years, offering decent pinot character at a price most producers can’t touch. The large old pinot vineyards at Cono Sur are so specialized that a new pinot-only winery was built this year. This has a generous cran-rhubarb flavours and a touch of perfume and oak toast. It’s medium-bodied, sweetish and rounded. Now to 2012.
Toronto Eating & Drink Guide 2010 / Canada