The 2008 Riberas Merlot (with 5% Syrah in the blend) was sourced from the Mariposa Vineyard in Maule and was aged for 12 months in a mix of new and used French oak. Dark ruby red in color, it exhibits an inviting nose of cedar, spice box, herbs, violets, and black currant. Round, forward, and flavorful in the glass, this tasty effort is a very good value meant for drinking over the next 4-5 years. Cocha y Toro is the largest wine producer in Chile as the above list attests. Remarkably, they are also one of the quality leaders and innovators leading the country forward. The Gran Reserva Serie are wines made from a single vineyard meant to display a particular terroir. The Marques de Casa Concha wines are also sourced from single vineyards but exposed to more new oak and a longer elevage. Some of the finest wines produced in Chile, particularly from the Carmenere grape, are being bottled and sold under the Terrunyo label under the direction of veteran winemaker Ignacio Recabarren.Importer: Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY; tel. (516) 626-9200