2015 Chile

This wine hails from the Limarí Valley, a relatively cool region, 400km north of Santiago. It is elegant, with fresh acidity, yet approachable. 10 months in French oak (none of it new) contribute roundness and a gentle toasty character which perfectly complement the ripe citrus and stone fruit notes. There is a refreshing minerality and salinity on the finish. Drink over the next 12 months.

There are several reasons why sommeliers and critics are so excited about Itata, a coastal region some 400km south of Santiago. For one thing, Itata boats a wealth of old bush vines – in this case Cinsault owned by the venerable Don Candelario Hinojosa but leased long-term to Koyle. The cool climate and rocky soils (decomposed granite with pockets of quartz) impart a crystalline character to the best of the region’s wines.
Don Cande Cinsault is a case in point; the palate is as fresh and cleansing as a raspberry sorbet, with a hint of bay leaf on the finish. A bittersweet symphony with no lack of verve. Winemaker Cristóbal Undurraga opted to age half the 2015 cuvée in concrete eggs, which accounts for its mouth-caressing texture.
As marvellous an accompaniment to poached salmon as it is pork belly or a minute steak.
Will Heslop, Buyer. Berry Bros. & Rudd

Textured, complex, yet as refreshing as a dawn dip in the Pacific, Costa will satisfy your hedonistic side while appealing to your inner wine geek. Winemaker Cristóbal Undurraga attributes its crystalline character to the rocky (granite and quartz) soils and maritime climate of Paredones, some 120 kilometres west of Koyle’s base in Los Lingues. But terroir isn’t the only talking point: a third of the final blend is barrel fermented, a third in stainless steel and the final third in concrete eggs.
Expect aromas of nettles, hay and bay leaf. The palate combines mouth-watering acidity with a compelling mealiness.
Will Heslop, Buyer. Berry Bros. & Rudd. 

Grus (crane) is named after a constellation visible above the Elqui Valley, whose pristine skies are prized by stargazers and winemakers alike. It’s a blend of Syrah, Garnacha, Petite Syrah and Petit Verdot, grown at over 1700 metres altitude, where the grapes become fully ripe without losing their refreshing acidity. On the nose, expect aromas of fresh red fruit, violets and a tantalising hint of wet stone, which persists on the palate. Marcelo attributes the wine’s harmonious, silky texture to his beloved concrete eggs.
Will Heslop, Wine Buyer

Another fabulous, boundary-pushing wine from Viñedos de Alcohuaz, this 100% Garnacha is grown at well over 2,000 metres altitude in Chile’s Elqui Valley. On the nose, expect aromas of ripe red fruit, and a beguiling floral lift. 23 months in concrete eggs – something of a speciality for ace winemaker Marcelo Retamal – have resulted in the supplest of tannins. The finish is long, refreshing and moreish.
Will Heslop, Wine Buyer

“I’ve been lucky enough to taste most vintages of Seña, both in the UK and in Chile - this is the best yet. Displaying a kaleidoscopic array of red, blue and black fruit on the nose, with a violet note as well. Big but not overwhelming on the palate, the fruit is fantastically defined and fresh. This will require some patience in the cellar. A new benchmark for this already high achieving estate.”
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager.