Wine tasted, Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 5:30 PM

Australis by Montgras, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, 2011, Central Valley, Chile. Purchased a bottle for 8,000 Chilean pesos (about US$18) at the hotel bar. 13.5% ALC.

This wine was produced by Montgras Vineyards for Australis Hotels in the Chilean Patagonia, and was served as a  welcome drink at the Australis Hotel, Puerto Natales, Chile. I had a choice among many selections of beverages, including the famous and very good Pisco Sour. But I decided to try this particular wine.

When the bartender started to pour this wine, I knew this was a good choice. I loved the color, very, very dark deep red, almost a plum color. The excellent complex nose portended a nicely balanced wine. After smelling it, I swilled the glass and generated strong legs flowing down the wine glass. That was a good sign!  I sipped the wine and soon was overwhelmed with its rich and very complex palate. Following the visual pleasure, I could taste the rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, plum and a nice, smooth tannin.  What a pleasant surprise! I don’t normally like the taste of tannin, but this was nicely blended.  I don’t think this was a very expensive wine, but who cares about the price when you find a wine you can fall in love with instantly. What a wonderful wine to sip and enjoy with all its complexity to challenge your palate. If you have a chance to buy this wine, do so without any hesitation.

Later that evening we bought a bottle to share with friends who traveled with us. This wine was unbelievably good. I hope I can find this wine in the US.

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