Best Wines Under $13 – Issue 3 Vina Maipo Syrah

In the mid-1990’s, Chilean wines were all the rage. Specifically Chilean Merlot. Big juicy, soft wines for a very little money in comparison to the wines from California, Australia, France and Italy.

Shortly after being the shinning star, Chilean wines were in the tank. Instead of being voluptuous and fruit forward, they were more tannic featuring flavours of green pepper and unripe plums.

The problem was not the climate in Chile, the problem was that the grape growers traditionally controlled harvest dates, and, traditionally harvest was done on March 15 regarless of the quality of the grapes.

The next problem was over watering. The common practice was to flood irragate the vineyards, thus offering too much water in short spurts.

During this time one of the oldest winemaking families in Chile was falling on hard times and they would have to either sell the winery, its name and its land or redevelop the land for housing.

The Maipo winery had been producing wines in the Maipo Valley of Chile for over 150 years and was home to some of the first plantings of Cabernet, Merlot, Carmenere, and Syrah in Chile. Todays Vina Maipo vineyards are populated with the direct descendants of pre-Phyloxera vines.

In 2005 the family that controls the Concha Y Toro empire, purchased the Vina Maipo name, vineyards and winery. It was very important to the family that the Vina Maipo name continue as it is and will be the only winery in Chile to have the name of a valley in its name.

Following the purchase, Concha Y Toro started setting up a team that was to work independently of the parent company but create world class wines that are affordable.

The new team went about rebuilding the winery and purchasing acres and acres of land to add to the current vineyards holdings. Each acre purchased was analyzed for soild quality, drainage, and average temperature during the growing season, so as to insure top quality grapes.

The one reason why they bought so much land and added to already significant holdings was to create economies of scale. More top quality wine, means better pricing. 

We have had the Vina Maipo Carmenere ($11.99), Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99) and Sauvignon Blanc  ($11.99) for a number of months now and they have exceeded my expectations for quality, price, and because I am a retailer, resell is the best way to tell the quality of a wine. If people continue to buy the wines after their first experience, then you have a winner.

The latest edition to the line up is the Vina Maipo Syrah. Like the others this a big expression of the fruit quality from these vineyards. The nose if brimming with black fruits like ripe plums, black berries and black currants. Intermixed with the fruit scent are engaging dones of nutmeg, cinnamon with hints of vanilla and dried coconut.

The palate is full of juicy ripe fruit and spices. The finish is smooth and velvety leaving hints of plums and nutmeg to think on.

Given the depth and the price this is one of the best wines under $13 in the market today.

Price: $11.99 +deposit

Shelf Location: Chile & Display

Availability: Liquor Plus Exclusive.