An Evening With Echeverria - Chiles' Finest!

I have been fortunate enough to have spentvery strong flavours and a long, lingering finish.
many a summers evening deliberating overSuffice to say we were taken aback by its sheer
various wines from various countries and feltweight of flavour! This true gem was not a one
compelled to put pen to paper after one suchoff, as other just as favourable wines were to
evening spent in the company of a myriad offollow, including the Valle Dorado Chardonnay
South American wines and, I am happy to say, I2008; a contender more than sufficient to be
was not at all disappointed! Sure, you've got theplayed against any Australian offerings, the Merlot
famous brands that adorn our supermarket2008; a superb garnet colour oozing with
shelves in the UK, but very rarely, some of thestrawberries and blackberries with notes of black
chosen few get the opportunity to meetpepper and dried fruit, the Cabernet Sauvignon
interesting vintners and try some offerings that2007; all you would expect from such a king of
are truly exceptional and stand out from thegrapes and eventually culminating in the
crowd, all on their own merits.carmenere, a recently discovered gem, lost many
One such opportunity arose when I discoveredyears ago in France, but now finding recognition in
the wines of Vina Echeverria, a small, familythe wine world as one of the best robust and
owned and run wine estate in Molina, Curicofruity wines on the current market! Red and violet
Valley, the wine centre of Chile. Roberto,Robertoin colour with intense aromas of raspberries and
I, Gloria, Viviana and Paulina Echeverria all work oncherry confiture and ripe red bell peppers and
the estate in different roles and are always onhints of black pepper. This really is a stunning wine
hand to talk about their commitment to qualityand one not to be missed. On the palate it is
and excellence that, they say, is attainable onlysmooth and velvety with an abundance of dark
from a truly family enterprise!fruit and a finish that lingers of raspberries. I
The evening starts with a great introduction fromrecommend if you only try one new wine this
their wines with the Sauvignon Blanc 2008.year, it is a Carmenere! For those who have
Pre-Philloxera root stock (original Frenchalready discovered it; try this one from Molina!
Sauvignon!) Bright yellow with green hues, aIt only leaves me to thank the Echeverria family
stunning aroma, very vibrant and strong ofand I look forward to the new harvest due very
pineapple, grapefruit and notes of fresh herbs.soon.
These fruits are abundant on the palate, lots ofThanks guys!