A "Spectacular", reasonably priced Chilean red

One of the most exciting trends I have observed over the last two decades or so is the dramatic increase in the number of really extraordinary wines from countries like Chile and Argentina. This truly memorable red wine is a perfect illustration.

The 2016 De Martino Vigno, an old vine Carignane-based field blend, is an extraordinary wine and our price is only $39.99 (the largest wine retailer in the country lists it at $45). It is an Arnold Schwarzeneggar of a wine - big, powerful, intense, muscular, huge on the palate - I can't really think of a wine at this price point that would eclipse it.

The Wine Advocate agrees with us, rating it 97 points: "This wine is nothing short of spectacular, with a complex nose intermixing aromas of smoked bacon, wild flowers and berries, earth and tree bark, in a rare combination of power and elegance that takes them to a completely different profile than the rest of the Vigno association. Other than the intoxicating nose, the palate also reveals strong minerality and the austere and serious tannins from the granite soils. This is not only among the best Vigno bottlings, it's also one of the finest wines from Chile. This Carignan-based field blend matured in 5,000-liter oak foudres for 24 months. It has to be the finest year for the De Martino Vigno, very varietal, pure, precise, elegant and powerful. Drink 2018-2026. 97 points."

And we are having a Zoom tasting with Sebastien De Martino on September 10, so you can meet the owner/winemaker!


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