Wines from Maule and Colchagua
Tastings.com
August 2014
The Beverage Testing Institute was founded in 1981 with the objective of producing fair and impartial wine reviews for consumers.
In the latest tasting they had many good things to say about Old Bridge Cellars’ Chilean offerings. All of the wines below represent true regional and varietal flavors, they are approachable and super versatile with food. For the more adventurous there is a really interesting Oveja Negra Sauvignon Blanc made with the addition of 10% clear Carménère juice pre fermentation.
EXCEPTIONAL
91 pts / BEST BUY Chilensis Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Aromas of meringue, nougat, and raspberry danish with a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long, olive, currant jam, menthol mint, and vanilla finish with soft tannins and light oak. A delicious and nuanced cabernet that is very versatile.
91 pts / BEST BUY Chilensis Reserva Carménère 2012
Aromas of roasted nuts, toasted herbs, berry flan, and tobacco with a supple, medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium length, chocolate craisin, cedar, borscht, and orange finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. A tangy and refreshing red that will be very versatile at the table.
91 pts / BEST BUY Chilcas Reserva Syrah 2012
Aromas of cherry and spice rubbed meat with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, simple, breezy, root vegetable, menthol, berries, and pickling spices finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. A vibrantly delicious and balanced syrah that will shine at the table.
90 pts / BEST BUY Chilcas Reserva Merlot 2011
Aromas of boysenberry jam, eucalyptus, and pistachio toffee with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium length, plum tart and starfruit finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. A rock solid merlot with a nice herbal character.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
88 pts / BEST BUY Oveja Negra Reserva Sauvignon Blanc/Carménère 2013
Aromas of melon, lime, and green nectarine with a soft, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, simple, medium length, grapefruit and grass finish with no oak. A nice crisp white for summer sipping or seafood.
88 pts / BEST BUY Oveja Negra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2012
Aromas of black currant, sour cherry, tar & roses, and baking spice with a medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium length, black cherry, grilled plum, currants, and vanilla paste finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. Complex and juicy with enough stuffing to pull out your fancy wine glasses.
87 pts / BEST BUY Chilensis Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Aromas of spiced pear, creek stone, apple cider, and lime zest with a silky, bone-dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, brisk, crisp apple, pear tart, lemongrass, and white grapefruit finish. Intriguing nose with bright fruit and a background of fresh ground spices leads to a refreshing and lively finish.