Here’s a great value play on a Pinot Noir, out of Chile’s Casablanca Valley, a coastal region renown for its ability to produce some enticing cool climate loving varietals, especially Pinot Noir. This particular wine is sure to gather some serious attention from all lovers of this most fickle grape. A single vineyard offering from the El Algarrobo vineyard in the Las Dichas sector, one of the colder areas within the greater Casablanca Valley, Decanter magazine late last year did an article on Chilean Pinot Noir and the 2019 TerraNoble’s Las Dichas Pinot Noir was anointed as the ‘Best Chilean Pinot Noir’ for the vintage, where it received an eye catching review of 95 pts. Decanter is respected as one of the world’s top wine periodicals and doesn’t give out big numbers without merit, so this review has merit and is worth taking note of.
As a caveat this is not a big wine and plays true to the varietal on its medium bodied frame. So if you want power or scale in your Pinot this is not your ticket. If you love Pinot that is elegant and refined, but still giving layers of complexity with an assortment of lifted red fruit and a silky texture then this is just the call. Also take note that is is sealed under a stelvin, screw cap fixture, so the wine is pretty tight on opening, but with some aeration and patience this opens up beautifully, showcasing its treasures and helping to justify its Decanter review.
$21.99
95 pts Decanter Oct 2021
Terranoble, meaning ‘noble land’, was founded in 1993 to show the potential of Maule Valley Merlot. Over time the range expanded, and now includes lines such as Las Dichas, from cooler regions such as Casablanca. This Pinot Noir was fermented in 300-litre barrels and aged in concrete eggs and old foudres in order to reflect the purity of the fruit.
Peter Richards MW: Intriguing aromas of roasted herbs, summer berries and aniseed. Juicy, elegantly bittersweet and food friendly – a proper Pinot, with freshness and complexity. Long, though a touch lean on the finish.
Alistair Cooper MW: Attractive, slightly waxy red fruit and herbal nose. A delicate palate with fine-grained tannins, some salinity and well-judged oaking. A very attractive, elegant and restrained style.
Derceu Vienna Junior MW: Wonderful and inviting notes of red fruits. Floral notes and earthy tones reminiscent of classy Burgundy. On the palate it is beautifully balanced with a deliciously refreshing and long finish.
Very fruity, fresh, and mineral wine with notes of red fruits, sour cherry, and strawberry. It shows all the typicality of Pinot Noir with many aromatic layers and textures on the palate.
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David Redfearn –
Nice, “real” Pinot – not the more fruit forward Pinots that seem to be popular now. Easy, pleasant drinking
Libby G –
Glad you enjoyed it David!