YUCK!

[Drew]

1997 Cousino-Macul Reservas
Cabernet Sauvignon Valle del Maipo Antiguas
Bought this on recommendation from someone "in the know". Light in color,tart, harsh and in one word "YUCK"! If this is the Reserve I'd hate to sample the reg. bottling. 12% Alc./vol. $12

Drew

[Kcwhippet]

It appears a lot of these Chileans have had their 15 minutes of fame. I've never been much overwhelmed by any of the wines from Chile. There was a lot of hype when the "big hitters" came on line in the U.S. market a few years ago, but I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. There are some good wines, sure, but not the worldbeaters we have been told were imminent. I am a lot more excited about the new things coming from Argentina, however. Some of them are pricy, but I think they may be worth it. Look for BenMarcos and Luca, in particular. BenMarcos is an intriguing wine with Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda in the mix, and full retail is about $32. Luca is a huge Cab from Laura Catena (yes, the same family - she's the daughter) that's quite drinkable now, but can really sit for 8 to 10 years. It's about $55. Good stuff coming from Chile's neighbor.