The flagship 2008 Matetic Syrah was sourced from a particularly cool site and aged for 18 months in French oak. Opaque purple/black in color, it sports a superb aromatic array of dam1p earth, leather, incense, smoked meat, exotic spices, black cherry and blueberry. Velvety on the palate with plush fruit, silky tannins, and impeccable balance, it merits another 4-5 years of cellaring and will offer a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2023. Matetic is a biodynamically farmed winery, a rarity in Chile at the moment, whose grapes are certified organic.Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; www.quintessentialwines.com

Very juicy, with an enticing core of linzer torte, blackberry preserves and crushed fig, liberally laced with bittersweet cocoa, roasted spice and anise. A briary note adds length to the finish. Drink now through 2012. 150 cases made.??–JM??Region: Chile / San Antonio Select to Add

Saturated and black as night, with floral aromas mixed with earth, juniper and pruney fruit. Meaty and dark flavors ride on a bed of leathery, grabby tannins. Spicy, meaty and a touch herbal on the grinding, tannic finish.——M.S.(12/1/2011)—— 90