Region  Casablanca Valley, Chile
Type  Red Still
ABV  13.5%
Variety  100% Merlot

(Poured at Veramonte Wine Tasting@La Bodega Lounge) The herbaceous aroma choked to the point where I suspected my glass was swapped for Chinese herb medication right under my nose. Brash green, leafy theme prevailed on the palate, shoving red fruits out of the way and persisted into a bitter, herb-accented end. This medium-bodied Merlot is way off your ordinary easydrinking namesake varietal by miles. Interesting, thanks but no thanks.

Stockists  RM63~65 Cold Storage, Serial Cellar, Jaya Grocer, Carrefour

Distributor  Cave & Cellar

What critics said

WE
85Forceful on the nose, with herbal, saucy, rubbery aromas. It’s weighty in the mouth, with blackberry, herbal tomato and dry spice flavors. Feels pretty good on the finish, which comes with a lasting herbal accent. A little grating but solid enough. — M.S. (09/01/2010)

WS
86Shows nice, supple-textured red berry and damson plum fruit with a lacing of tobacco that runs through the medium-weight finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. — J.M. (07/31/2010)

ST
87Vivid ruby. Cherry, redcurrant and herbs on the nose. Juicy dark berry and spice flavors offer good cut and precision. Nicely round if not exactly fleshy, finishing with supple tannins, a note of bitter chocolate and lingering perfume. — J.R. (03/01/2010)