Errázuriz Syrah 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Following up on the lovely 2019 Errázuriz Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir, tonight's wine review is another fine wine from the Chile's Viña Errázuriz. This cool-climate Syrah arrives at the LCBO next weekend as part of the June 12th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Viña Errázuriz is one of Chile's best and most internationally recognized wineries. It was founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errázuriz, a man whose family played an important role in Chile's social and cultural life for over two and a half centuries. In addition to Don Maximiano's duties as a politician, diplomat, and entrepreneur, he was also passionate about wine and ventured to plant the country's first French grape varieties in the Aconcagua Valley. Viña Errázuriz has since been passed down along familial lines and today it is led by the fifth generation of the family - Eduardo Chadwick Claro.

Like the Pinot Noir, this Syrah is from Errázuriz's "Specialties" range of wines which explores the Aconcagua Valley for the best and purest expression of each variety through wines that show their true sense of origin. Two geographical landmarks make up this line of wines: Mount Aconcagua - the highest peak in the western hemisphere; Pacific Ocean - the coldest waters in the world. Aconcagua Alto (Mount Aconcagua) wines are from the highest area of the Aconcagua Valley, while wines from Aconcagua Costa are located in vineyards just 12 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean.

This cool-climate Syrah was grown in a coastal vineyard in DO Aconcagua Costa, 12 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, from vines planted by Viña Errázuriz in 2005 and 2009. The soil here is composed of a thin layer of loamy texture and sitting on a base of clay and metamorphic rock (slate/schist) that add mineral characters to the wine. The grapes were hand-picked and fermented using native yeasts. It was matured for 14 months, 85% of the which was aged in mostly used French oak barrels, while the remainder was aged in aged in Stockinger foudres. Although I have tasted many wines from Errázuriz over the years, I believe this is the first time I am tasting this Syrah. Let's see how it's tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ERRÁZURIZ SYRAH 2018 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#387910) (XD) - $21.95
The medium-high intensity nose is intriguing and complex with black olive and peppery spice aromas layered over crushed blackberry, raspberry and savoury notes with touches of violet and meaty notes. On the medium-full bodied palate it has lovely blackberry, raspberry, pepper spice, savoury, meaty, and nut flavours with touches of olive, all framed by fresh, mouth-watering acidity and smooth, fine-grained, slightly grippy tannins. Tar notes join the savoury, blackberry, and spice finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy for Syrah wine lovers! Score: 91 pts

Other fine wines from Viña Errázuriz can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.