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Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 |
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“In my humble opinion, Merlot is the grape of Chile, yielding smooth, palatable, full yet not too intense, delicious red wine. This particular Merlot from the Rapel Valley has a clean varietal bouquet full of summer berries, and it has a velvety smooth, rich and fruity taste.”
"A just-bottled (less than one month in bottle when we tasted it), garnet hued wine with ruby highlights. Nice legs. Fresh and flavorful with violets and black forest fruit, and hints of vanilla, eucalyptus and toffee. According to Ignacio Recabarren, this was a close to perfect vintage. This wine will age gracefully."
Earned a Gold Medal and was chosen as "Best Merlot." Gold Medal
Best version of this wine in years. Supple and complex in style, with full bodied, moderate richness, and a long finish, tasting of toasted oak, cherry, cedar and plum. * * * * + (Excellent - Highly recommended)
“One of the upscale lines of respected Concha y Toro. Smoky tones introduce the wine, followed by cherry, blueberry, dark plums, coffee bean and dried mint”.
“Inky-purple and dense, it’s full-bodied and laced with nuances of plum liqueur and black pepper. Penetrating and long…”
“…inky finesse and chocolate-layered elegance”.
"...100% Merlot (a bit unusual, often Merlot is blended) and reveals aromas of blackcurrant, blackberries, and spices (from fourteen months of oak aging.) It’s full bodied and its color is opaque dark plum ...shows good complexity of flavors."
"An irresistible Merlot from Chile, Marques Merlot has elegant facets of cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, graphite and mint, and a toasty oak and stony mineral finish that’s more akin to a fine Bordeaux."
"I can't think of a better value in Merlot, a too often maligned varietal these days, than this deliciously deep and dark, but fully accessible wine from Chile. Concha y Toro's Marques de Casa Concha line consistently includes wines that outperform their price tags. While they don't really come cheap, they do taste as if they cost a lot more." 91
"Sweet, full-blown aromas of blackberry, vanilla and dried herbs. Inky flavors of blueberry, mocha and coffee bean. Herbal, earthy finish." 89
"Probably my favourite of the tasting, this Merlot is from 20-year-old vines in the Rapel Valley. It starts with exotic spices on the nose to go with currants and wild berries. It’s loaded with firm, sweet tannins on a core of oaky/toasty, spicy fruits with just a touch of licorice. It’s structured, juicy and complex with a long, lush finish. Enjoy!"
“Aromas of chocolate and red berries make this rich, deep wine a lovely companion to full-flavored dishes. Will cellar in the short-term. Drink 2005-2008.” 89.5
“Beautiful single vineyard Chilean wine, give body by a little (10 per cent) Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s silky and plump, with spice notes, showing red berry flavours and a smack of licorice. It has real size and a meshed tannin.”
“A wine the band Deep Purple could get into, because it’s just that color and it rocks. The bouquet is dusty and loaded with dark chocolate and ripe blackberry. In the mouth, there’s nothing miserly about it: lush plum, blackberry and licorice flavors are full and forward. Highly enjoyable, especially at this price.” 89 BEST BUY
“Winemaker Marcelo Papa crafted this rich and succulent Merlot from vines planted during the early ‘80s. Closed when first opened, the aromas evolve to cinnamon and sweet chocolate scents. The deep flavors go from fresh herbs to sweet, juicy black currants, while the structure feels ample, covering the palate with its soft, rich tannins.” 91
“Ripe and lush, with lots of blackberry, plum, mocha and vanilla flavors. Plush, velvety finish is loaded with fruit and picks up a hint of grilled herb. Delicious, forward, modern style. Drink now through 2006.”
“Offers impressive depth and length, outperforming Merlots that cost twice as much.”
“Plums and oak married well in the aroma and on the palate, with a nice spiciness on the finish.”
“Dense garnet hue. Quite herbal aromas of black fruit, oak char and espresso. Soft, concentrated flavors of blackberry and graphite. Vanillin oak lightens the finish.” 88
“. . .provides a real mouthful of Merlot. The color is dark, dense purple-black and so, somehow, is the rest of it. Lead pencil, cedar and tobacco permeate black currant and black cherry scents and flavors, to which add hints of black olive and bell pepper; dusty, chewy tannins and grainy oak lend immense buttressing. If you were having grilled veal chops tonight, accented with rosemary and oregano, and served with roasted potatoes – have mercy! – this wine is the way to go. Drink now through 2008.”
“Full bodied, complex in flavor, and lightly tannic; a wine tasting of baked potato, oak, blackcurrant, and toast. (2006-2008)” * * * *
“This wine and its stablemate Cabernet Sauvignon were both extraordinarily good in 2001 and 2002, yet the 2003 is stronger still. It is very expressive aromatically and quite deeply flavored, with rich, concentrated fruit notes reminiscent of plums and dark berries. With well-balanced oak edging and lovely undertones of cocoa and vanilla, this is both complex and symmetrical. It is also remarkably stable, remaining fresh and expressive for days after opening.”
“This wine and its stablemate Cabernet Sauvignon were both extraordinarily good in 2001 and 2002, yet the 2003 is stronger still. It is very expressive aromatically and quite deeply flavored, with rich, concentrated fruit notes reminiscent of plums and dark berries. With well-balanced oak edging and lovely undertones of cocoa and vanilla, this is both complex and symmetrical. It is also remarkably stable, remaining fresh and expressive for days after opening.”
“A bargain at twice the price because it is simultaneously rich, deep and complex, this has to be one of the best under-$20 red wines anywhere. Don't miss it.”
“Smooth, medium-bodied, well-integrated wine with a bit of black cherry in the aroma.”
“This is one of the best, if not the very best, under-$20 Merlots on the market. It offers softness but at the same time structure, with a depth of nuanced flavor virtually unmatched by wines at this price. . . .Easy to drink, it also has a firm but unobtrusive tannic backbone. And while rich and ripe, it never seems remotely candied. Instead, it offers deep red and black fruit flavors, with secondary notes reminiscent of chocolate and coffee -- a wonderfully complex ensemble. . . .Still very young. . .undoubtedly will improve with a few years of cellaring. It tastes so delicious now, however, that you'll find it hard to wait. Wine shops and restaurant lists overflow with an ocean of disappointing Merlots these days. Here's a delectable antidote.”
“Really liked this wine -- and a bargain. . . . Offering fresh ripe blackberry and plum flavors, with good concentration, and layers of accents that include mocha, toasty oak, a touch of earth and a burst of fresh fruit acidity at the finish. Ready to drink now.”
"Concha y Toro is one of the most respected wine producing companies in Chile, and they produce this wine in the Peumo Vineyard of Chile’s Rapel Valley. The aging process in French oak barrels for just over a year and six months in the bottle results in a smooth, plumy wine full of Eastern spiciness and Western adventure. An all-rounder with food, there’s virtually nothing this wine won’t complement, including your carefully maintained bank account."
“If you’ve tried and liked wines such as the superb value Casillero del Diablo line from Concha y Toro, then it’s well worth trading up to the Marques. . .This Merlot is bursting full of spicy plum and toffee flavour and shows a great smooth balance too. Drink now.” * * * *
“Fleshy and ripe, with plum and black currant fruit offset by nice cocoa powder and mineral notes. Hint of loam as well. Drink now through 2006.” Spectator Selection Smart Buy 89
“This single-vineyard wine has made the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for three years. If it were from California, it would cost twice the price. Intense plum and cherry aromas are followed on the palate by chocolate and vanilla. Lovely soft tannins in the finish. Pair with steaks, roasts and pastas with medium to hearty sauces.”
“Purple-fuchsia hue. Jammy aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, coffee and evergreen. Rich flavors of blackberry, pencil lead, earth and clove. Racy close.” 88
“Marques de Casa Concha line is a notch or two below Concha y Toro’s flagship wines. The Merlot form this line comes from grapes grown in a small area, Peumo, where they develop silky tannins and a plethora of flavors. Beautifully balanced, it’s the most satisfying Merlot in this price range I have tasted in years. Enjoy it with a steak, not as an aperitif.”
"This Merlot’s intense ripe fruit runs deep, refreshed by vibrant acidity. It’s filled with blackberry and sweet strawberry scents, rounded by voluptuous tannins adding extra charm. A good match for wild mushroom risotto." Good Value 88
"Full bodied, intense, austere and concentrated with Bing cherry, cooked plum, dark chocolate and vanilla; long finish. Top sirloin steak for London broil. Serve now, but will hold for some time."
"Rich and stylish on one hand, and brawny and bold on the other. This saturated, meaty bruiser starts with dark plum, cassis and eucalyptus aromas. Then comes a parade of chewy, high-powered fruit flavors: currant, cherry and blackberry. Casual back notes of chocolate and caramel cement this generous offering." Best Buy 89
"A superb color intensity with an aromatic bouquet; in the mouth the fruit bursts with freshness and has velvety undertones that coat the walls of the palate and concludes in a truly memorable finish; a great value." 92 *****
"A superb color intensity with an aromatic bouquet; in the mouth the fruit bursts with freshness and has velvety undertones that coat the walls of the palate and concludes in a truly memorable finish; a great value." 92 *****
"One of the better Chilean Merlots to come my way in the last year. Concentrated, jammy (especially blackberry), and an ideal food red that’s suitable for everyday fare as well as a special gourmet feast at the weekend. Outstanding value." Highly Recommended ****
"Red wines from Chile have long offered great bargains for American wine consumers, but they disappoint at least as often as they please. But what a delightful surprise this wine turned out to be. This South American Merlot is deep, dark and richly flavored with all the classic flavors and velvety tannins one hopes for in a Merlot, at one-third the price of a comparable wine from California. Priced at $10 in some membership discount stores. Wow!"
". . . all bumptious ripeness and exuberant allure. It could certainly be drunk straight away, although, despite its youth, it could be cellared for another year or two. Merlot and the grape with which it has traditionally been confused in Chile, Carménère, a historic Bordeaux grape variety, are a real specialty of Chile. This wine, matured for 17 months in Bordeaux barrels, was made in a great vintage for Chile by Marcelo Papa, the talented young winemaker at Concha y Toro, which is one of the most reliable exporters of wine to the UK."
"Medium to full bodied, dominated by ripe black cherry and plum and toasted oak with hints of coffee, tobacco and spice; smooth finish. Hamburger. Fully mature. Serve now."
"...Wow! A dense, chewy, well structured wine, with complex, layered fruit, beautifully balanced by subtle oak. I have not tasted a Merlot with this much pizzazz in ages."
"The saturated deep purple color shows the influence of Carménère more than Merlot, and the spiciness of that later ripening grape strikes a balance here with the deep plumminess and smooth texture that both grapes share. Structured by oak rather than tannin, this soft red id delicious to drink now, especially with tandoori chicken, or kebabs marinated in Indian spices." 90
"Black cherries and other dark berries fill the aroma. Bigger than most Merlots in this price range, it would be great with lamb."
"Concha y Toro is making a big, burly Merlot for this line and it should have mass appeal given how rich, extracted and oaky it is. The nose is dense as chocolate cake and deep as a well. The mouth is chewy and thick, with chocolate-covered berries and another whack of wood." 87
"This wine opens with a bouquet that's pungently tarry and thick with fruit. The flavors are concentrated; black cherries and smoke and the substantial dose of oak doesn't seem at all overdone in their company. The finish is long and vaguely sweet with an appetite-provoking stab of sharpness. This is definitely a wine for those who love power and concentration and would like it at a reasonable price."
"The depth and richness of this Chilean Merlot is astonishing for the price. From an excellent vintage, the 2001 Casa Concha is a complex, supple, layered wine with weight on the palate and soft, ripe tannins. Exceptional value at the price and a leap forward from the 2000 vintage." 88
This superbly elegant Chilean Merlot has a deep, opaque-ruby color and long, slow legs. The luscious nose is big and deep with aromas of black cherry and violet, complemented by underpinnings of tar and smoke. On the palate, it's medium to full bodied and beautifully structured, with still firm, yet supple, tannins and good acidity for dining. It has a warm mouthfeel and delivers concentrated black-cherry flavors, which are followed initially by bittersweet chocolate, and then by spice. There's also a subtle hint of oak throughout. It has good length and finishes with spice and oak. Be sure to give this wine plenty of breathing time to enjoy it at its fullest. Excellent with grilled meats or, for the vegetarian, grilled Portobello mushrooms. An outstanding value."
"Wonderfully smooth and easy with flavors of plum and cherries; some smokiness; drinks well alone or with food." **** 87
"Aromas of blackberry and plum, very fruity with some hints of chocolate and vanilla." 89
This wine was full of big, jammy fruit with a hint of menthol. It was better balanced than the Aresti. The Concha y Toro was elegant and full-bodied with a silky texture. This wine was voted first (out of five) in our tasting."
"Best Buy - A big and bursting combination of healthy black fruit and copious French oak is manifested in the nose as bitter chocolate and plum pie. The palate is lively and full-bodied, with mature fruit flavors and velvety tannins, while plenty more of that bitter chocolate echoes across the finish." 88
"Lovely cassis and plum fruit, with hints of vanilla bean and herbs, and a fleshy, yet elegant, smoky finish. Very nice." 89
"...almost peerless in the world of value wines."
"Brilliant purple hue. Boysenberry, date and black palate and a round, elegant finish with chewy fruit, firm tannins and balanced tannins. Highly Recommended." 87
"Almost deep opaque in color with the seductive scents of blackberry and spice; in the mouth the wine is rich and palate coating with a firm backbone, solid core and a long finish; a stunning wine." ****90
"Look for plum and blueberry flavors with lots of toasty oak." 90
"A mélange of stewed fruits and spice. Highly recommended." ****
"...well structured, deeply intense, beautiful coloring, playful, and very rich a smooth with some spiciness." 90
"Displays the ripeness of the vintage and, despite the blast of toast, there's solid plum and blackberry fruit here. Shows a hint of the grape's herbal side and a chocolate note on the fleshy finish. Sure to have lots of fans." 90
"Clean - gentle aromatics of mature fruit. A mélange of stewed fruits and spice. Mature palate with fine savoury tannins but a sweet edge." ****Highly Recommended
"The dark color sets the tone for the flavors that are as black as night: dark cherry pits, dark berries, a lasting smoky black-tar richness. Though tannic for now, this should evolve, and there's already some complexity beginning to develop out of its firm, quiet, supple core. A great buy for the cellar." 90
"...this '99 has everything people want in Merlot - and much more. Dark in color, it offers up heaps of ripe plum, earthy, berry and spices in its full-throttle aroma Rounded by sweet, toasty oak, it is soft and smooth, with just enough earthy flavour and supple tannin to give it a little backbone... Kudos to the winery for making an unpretentious Merlot in an appealing style."
"Big but supple, with a full vibrant bouquet of smoky, toasty oak over dark plum and cherry fruit. The palate shows more of the same, with coffee and chocolate accents. This tasty, likable oakster finishes with good length and a cocoa hint." 88
"Lots of forward, jammy flavours of red fruits, with mellow tannins and a lush style."
"A very interesting and tasty wine that doesn't remind me of Merlot as much as Syrah. With a good peppery aftertaste and a sound core of fruit without oak intruding." Very Highly Recommended
"Deep ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of rose petal, game and dark chocolate. Slightly green-edged, high-pitched flavors of red currant, tar and licorice. Firm acidity gives clarity to the fairly intense flavors. Finishes with ripe, even tannins and good length." 86
"Supple and fairly powerful, with concentrated dark plum and cherry flavors and plenty of spice notes. Light pepper and herbal notes linger appealingly on the finish." 85
"There's super fruit in the middle of this wine--dark currants and brighter cranberry--and there's also a lot of astringency at the moment. The initial aromas as well as the finish show off a lovely porcini mushroom character." 86
"Saturated blood red. Austere earthy aromas. A solid entry leads a moderately full-bodied palate with dry, minerally flavors and a lingering austere finish. There is little fruit generosity, but it shows nice 'terroir' notes." 89
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