2005 Valdivieso Eclat

Aromas of black fruit, blackberry, earth, plums, and a touch of red raspberry on the edges. The nose seems quite dark and the Syrah showed through as the most prominent component to me, even though it only comprises 20% of the blend. On the palate I found flavors reminiscent of black plum, cedar, earth, blackberry, smoke, spice, red currants, and herbs. Overall it has good acidity and structure. Personally I would have preferred a little less Carignan in the blend.

WHO: Valdivieso Eclat
WHAT: Red blend, Carignan (56%), Mourvèdre (24%), Syrah (20%)
WHERE: Maule Valley, Chile
WHEN: 2005
HOW MUCH: $27 (Media sample)