2011 Carabantes Syrah

The 2011 Carabantes Syrah is from a slightly warmer zone in Aconcagua, which shows in the strong balsamic aromas, with notes of eucalyptus and bay leaf intermixed with notes of tapenade and a touch of smoked bacon. The palate reveals supple tannins, clean acidity and, again, balsamic flavors and very good length. A delicious Syrah. Drink now-2017. Mauro Von Siebenthal, a Swiss lawyer from Bern, started a tiny winery in Chile in 1998, buying a small vineyard in the Aconcagua valley three weeks after arriving in the country to visit a friend. Now he owns the biggest winery in the MOVI association. Stefano Gandolini is in charge of winemaking. They own 32 hectares of vineyards, but everything is vinified by vineyard, and things are done at a detailed level, which is impossible in a big winery. They still behave like a small producer, looking at the terroir. Aconcagua produces ripe, powerful wines because there is a lot of sun but at the same time they retain their freshness. Importer: Vine Connections, tel. (415) 332-8466