Ventisquero Tara Pinot Noir 2019

“The 2019 Pinot Noir Tara from Huasco, Atacama, was half-fermented with stalks before 60% was aged in foudres and the rest in eggs. Ruby red in the glass. The clear, precise nose offers strawberry, cherry, hints of herbs and a touch of earth. Smooth and satisfyingly expressive, with good tension and fine-grained tannins; the freshness is a little saline, while the finish is quite grippy. Drink: 2022-2029. 93 points

Ventisquero is one of the largest wineries in Chile, owned by the meat impresario Gonzalo Vial. Based in Maipo, they harvest grapes from vineyards ranging from Atacama to the north to the main valleys in the south. In Colchagua, however, they are working at a very interesting vineyard in Apalta, with vines planted in ravines and mountain slopes, where experiments include a dry-farmed parcel planted with Mediterranean varieties at the top of a hill, anticipating a time when water may be scarce in Chile. Some lines are differentiated by region, such as Tara from the north, others by variety and valley, such as Grey. The oenological director is Felipe Tosso.”

Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous (06/22)