Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Concha y Toro

Concha y Toro

Concha y Toro wines are America’s number 1 imported wine from Chile. The vineyard is one of the countries oldest and the label one of the most recognizable. Don Melchor and his wife Doña Emiliana Subercaseaux first founded the vineyard in 1883. The Don brought traditional Bordeaux grapes to Chile and began to develop his vineyard and winery. Over the years Concha y Toro has moved with the times, expanded and grown into Chiles leading exporter of wines. The modern era of Concha y Toro began with its association with America importers Banfi Vintners in 1987. This merger allowed for the modernization of the winemaking process and vineyards. Today Conch y Toro produces its wines from vineyards spanning over 11,200 acres across Chiles prime wine country.

2002 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

This is a complex wine with a ripe concentration of black currant and plum opening up the nose. Notes of cocoa, mineral, tobacco and toast deepen the bouquet and extend onto the palate. A ripe smoky impression finishes this wine.

2001 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

This wine has a dark red tone and a warm bouquet of ripe fruits. Aromas of black currant, sage and oregano are layered with tobacco for an intense opening. This vintage has a medium body with a rich fruit concentration and an oak finish.

2000 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

The 2000 bottle possesses a warm plum red tone and a heavy red fruit aroma on opening. On the palate the expressions of black currant, raspberry and jam meld with prune, cocoa and black berry. A warm balanced finish with a lasting spicy impression defines this wine.

1999 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

This is a dark red wine with a rich melding of fruit and earth notes. The bottle opens up to a flowery nose of black cherry, earth and tobacco. On the palate this medium to full-bodied wine expresses traces of dried black cherry, blueberry, smoke, pepper and chocolate. The wine flows finishing with cherry and spice.

1998 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

This bottle has a rich opulent ruby tone and a distinctive aromatic appeal. On the nose this wine opens up to mushroom, cedar and black currant notes. The flavors flow onto the palate with black cherry liqueur, coffee and orange. This wine has a long smooth finish and a fine balance.

1997 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

This vintage is a classic Conch y Toro red with a deep ruby tone that softens at the edges. The wine possesses a rich ripe bouquet of black cherry, plum, lavender and eucalyptus. On the palate this is a full fruity drop with cherry and plum notes and a mint hint that lingers on the finish.

1996 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

This 96 medium has a fresh zesty fruit nose with lashings of raspberry and cherries layered upon mushroom and spice. Fresh fruit flavors of cranberry and cassis meld with pomegranate, mint and eucalyptus for a lingering finish and a crisp impression.

1995 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet

This year’s wine has a velvet creamy texture and a warm plum red hue. The aromatics burst with black fruit, spice and licorice. On the palate a sweet creamy flow of black fruit, cassis and blackberries engages the mouth. Long to finish with a distinctive Conch y Toro zest.

2004 Concha y Toro Chardonnay

This bottle has a sweet creamy texture that fills the mouth and ignites the senses. Aromas of apple, fig and peach mingle with mineral and floral notes. On the palate toast and peach dominate and leave a soft fresh finish.

2003 Concha y Toro Chardonnay

The bottle opens up to buttered corn aromas with an apple and pear undertone. On the palate this delightful chardonnay bursts with banana bread, walnuts and raisin flavors. Rich in texture and full on the mouth this bottle finishes with a warm vanilla glow.