Top 5 Wines for Jan. 31 to Feb. 4

91 Loma Larga 2008 BK - BL Syrah

Casablanca Valley, Chile

Big, liquorice, black cherry and black plum nose, with smoky menthol, tobacco, vanilla, root and garrigue aromas. A rich, ripe, round, juicy and velvety palate with light tannins and good finesse. Gamey, floral,  and peppery vanilla flavours. Very fine fruit and balance, with beautiful freshness on the finish. Drink now or hold another 2 to 5 years.

Tasted By: Stuart Tobe
NS: $36  

90 Loma Larga 2007 Cabernet Franc

Casablanca Valley, Chile

Big, spicy, cranberry, black cherry, smoky, spicy, dried herb, savoury, barnyard and light leather aromas. A ripe, round, dry and supple but grainy palate. Intense coffee, chocolate, tobacco, orange and leather flavours. A bit warm, tart and young, but with fine fruit intensity and concentration. It needs 2 to 3 years. Well done.

Tasted By: Stuart Tobe
ON: $23 Vintages online  

89 Emiliana 2010 Novas Winemaker's Selection Chardonnay Viognier Marsanne

Casablanca Valley, Chile

A fine example of modern organic wine with a bright nose of honey, spicy, orange, lees, lychee, ginger, floral, nectarine and green apple aromas. Ripe, juicy and elegant with a fresh palate and a hint of sweetness. Good finesse and fruit at a solid value price.

Tasted By: Stuart Tobe
YK: $27  AB: $25  ON: $19 Vintages  

89 Errazuriz 2009 Wild Ferment Chardonnay

Aconcagua Costa, Aconcagua Valley, Chile

Aged on lees for 12 months in French oak barrels, the nose is a complex mix of mineral, citrus and nutty notes. The style is fresh and clean, with fine concentration of flavour. Lush, creamy and sophisticated, it is a very modern take on Chilean chardonnay.

Tasted By: Stuart Tobe
BC: $22  AB: $25  MB:$29  QC: $20  

89 Santa Rita 2009 Medalla Real Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc

Leyda Valley, Chile

Grapefruit, floral, passion fruit, orange, jalapeño and light asparagus aromas. A ripe, round, full, juicy and elegant palate, with nettle, herbal and spicy flavours. Good mouthfeel and fruit.

Tasted By: Stuart Tobe
BC: $23 specialty  NS: $24