BULK BUY!
95% Syrah and 5% Viognier from Limari Valley, Chile.
SRP of $18 and available for as low as $14. Sample submitted for review. 650 cases imported by Vine Connections.
From the bottle:
“Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains, adjacent to the arid Atacama Desert, and a mere twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean lies the wondrous Limari Valley. My family came to Limari because of its cool, dry climate. If you come to visit, you’ll feel the cooling ocean winds which make it perfect for growing Syrah grapes. – René Merino
14% Alcohol”
If you’ve read Reverse Wine Snob for any length of time you know that we’re quite fond of Syrah. And one of the reasons we love this grape so much is that it can be so varied — whether we’re talking about Northern Rhone, California, Australia (Shiraz), Washington, South Africa and evenArgentina this variety expresses itself differently, yet almost always deliciously, in each.
Today’s wine comes from the Limari Valley which is situated at the most narrow point of Chile at less than 60 miles wide. The country of Chile itself is a fascinating study in geography spanning almost 2,700 miles north to south and only slightly over 200 miles at its widest point. This situates the vast majority of the country in very close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Add in the fact that 80% of the country is mountains and you begin to see why the Chile has quickly become a premier region on the wine map.
The 2012 Merino Syrah begins with simply luscious aromas of blackberry and other dark berries, violets and a little smoky spice. It really develops nicely with some air so don’t be afraid to pop it open a few hours before you plan on serving it. The lusciousness continues when tasting with more delicious blackberry flavors along with black raspberry tinged with licorice, a little smoky spice and even a hint of mocha. You’ll also find a wonderful smooth and silky texture with fine tannins. It ends long and dry with a spicy blackberry note and even a hint of a mineral streak that lingers for a very long time.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
