De Martino Vineyards Vigno by De Martino 2011 750ml

The 2011 Vigno Single Vineyard La Aguada is a field blend from an un-grafted, dry-farmed, head-pruned old vineyard called La Aguada in Sauzal, in the coastal mountain range in Maule, one of the closest Carignan plots to the Pacific Ocean in the region, which was planted with a mixture of approximately 90% Carignan and 10% other red varieties (Pais, Carmenere, Cinsault and Malbec) in 1955. It has a beautiful perfumed nose with elegant yet rustic touches of cured meats, tree bark, a touch of smoke, ripe cherries and subtle sweet spices with very good acidity, good tension, and delineated pure flavors. A yummy, supple, meaty, delicious bottle of wine, very drinkable and food-friendly. It’s drinking well now, but it should also age well. This is simply superb, elegant, fresh, balanced, a great expression of Carignan and the Maule. At this quality level this is a real bargain. Super! Drink now–2019.

Brilliant ruby. Aromas of fresh raspberry and cherry, with suave floral and mineral nuances adding vivacity. On the palate, sappy, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors put on weight and gain sweetness with air. A powerful yet lithe blend with excellent finishing clarity and fine-grained tannins sneaking in slowly to add grip. (Josh Raynolds)

A minerally and exuberantly fruity red, filled with expressive raspberry, cherry and crushed red plum flavors. Snappy midpalate, with a fresh and focused finish, showing plenty of red currant notes. Drink now through 2017. 600 cases made. (Kim Marcus)