WTN: 2006 Cono Sur Pinot Noir 20 Barrels

2006 Cono Sur Pinot Noir 20 Barrels Casablanca Valley 14% (US price $22/Brazil price $54)
This is the second most expensive pinot noir in the Cono Sur lineup. Cono Sur is a subsidiary of the huge Concha y Toro but has a considerable degree of autonomy and a specialty in pinot noir. A recent newspaper article described them as holding the world’s largest acreage of pinot, a strangely hollow distinction for something so “small is beautiful.” Darker ruby than would be typical for a Burgundy. Interesting nose of glycerin (as in glycerin soap), mint, and a touch of naphthalene. Good but not excessive acidity, very light tannins. Additional notes of green stems (which I tend to detect in burgundies), tire rubber and something interesting that Marcia calls “automobile repair shop.” Good midpalate and finish. Not typically Burgundian, but at least it tastes like pinot noir, and a decent one at that, perhaps a little above village level, though with a different soul. The nose becomes stronger in the glass as time passes and, given its youth, I think this could deliver some interesting surprises in a few years. At $22, I would get half a case just to see what happens year by year.

Oswaldo, I'm quite fond of some of the Chilean Pinot Noirs. This summer I had the 2007 Cono Sur Riserva. I don't know how it ranks among the different bottlings of Cono Sur, but it is the one with a bicycle on the label. It had some of that charming, aromatic fruit that we have come to call "Pinosity" that rarely fails to charm me. At about EUR 10 here in Sweden it is quite a steal. I have felt that earlier vintages have been a bit too heavy loaded with toasted oak, but I had no problems with that in this one.
Cheers, Anders

Hi, Anders, the Reserva is their fourth pinot, the third being the Visión. There is also the Bicicleta, their fifth (!) pinot, which also has a bycicle on the label. I'll try the Reserva again since you liked it. I tried it over a year ago and remember liking it, especially after it opened up, although the high alcohol level of Andean pinots tends to cloud the pinosity for me a little bit.

Oswaldo: Just curious, in your notes is the Brazil $xx the DOLLAR price in Brazil, or the Peso price?

Have to agree that "20 barrels" is a great effort. Tasted the `05 at a recent Wines of Chile show and I was impressed.
I am fortunate to have this range in my area!

Oswaldo: Just curious, in your notes is the Brazil $xx the DOLLAR price in Brazil, or the Peso price?

I always convert to US$ so that prices are comparable... As you can see, prices in Brazil are, er..., to die for, or from.