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Erasmo 2009 Red, Maule Valley

Posted by Keith Wallace

South American Wine Review
Erasmo 2009 Red, Maule Valley

Wine Review: Erasmo 2009 Red

Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and a percentage of Syrah. The Cabernet is clearly dominant here, with graphite and cedar aroma rising above the wildflower and toasted spice. Black fruit and lusciously ripe plums ride across the deep tannins that smoothly fold into butcher shop elements. Vanilla and pomegranate come forward in the finish, which jumps into a  slam dunk of tannin.

This bottling is a constituent “Best Buy” vintage after vintage. Outstanding Cabernet-based wine and very attractively priced.

Wine Rating: 90 Points

Background

European influence has always been a presence in the American wine trade. Up north, the effect is more historical, but a few winemakers like Philippe Melka are still kicking about, making awesome wines.

In South America, it’s a much more palpable influence. The last two decades have seen a great influx of European winemakers.  From Didier Cuvelier of  Chateau Léoville-Poyferré  to the Italian Count Francesco Marone Cinzano of Col d’Orcia estate in Montalcino.

While Didier went to Argentina, the good Count Cinzano went to Chile. Interestingly, both were determined to grow world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau Léoville-Poyferré is well known for its Cabernet-based wines, so that makes sense. Col d’Orcia is famous for its Brunello di Montalcino, which is definitely not Cabernet.

For several decades, the winery has been growing Cabernet for its Super Tuscan bottles, including the Olmaia Sant’Antimo and the Nearco Sant’Antimo Rosso.

The location he opted for in Chile is a very similar climate to that of Tuscany: a region of rolling gentle hills that enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate with just enough rain to allow for dry farming on alluvial terraces. It’s a small region in the  Maule Valley called Riserva di Caliboro. Most of the vines planted are now more than 15  years old.

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