Pinot Noir Las Pizarras, Viña Errazuriz 2015

Even better than the debut and great 2014. Perfumed and vivid with strawberry, raspberry, flower leaf, cedar, stone and flint. Full body yet compacted and compressed giving it an ultra-fine palate profile. Tension and finesse. Light citrus finish. Polished to almost perfection. Seamless finish. 500 cases made. Drink now.

Same as with the white, the red from the slate soils is also in its second year with the 2015 Aconcagua Costa "Las Pizarras" Pinot Noir. The 2014-2015 growing season was slightly warmer than the historical average, with a dry spring and summer. They used 15% full clusters for the fermentation with native yeasts after a cold soak of five to seven days. The wine matured in 30% new French oak barriques for 13 months. This is an elegant, perfumed and harmonious Pinot, with better integrated oak than the previous 2014. The palate is medium-bodied with very clean flavors and a tasty, mineral sensation, with notes of sour cherries that transported me to the Côte de Nuits with that freshness, texture and depth that is gobsmacking. 6,404 bottles were filled in May 2016.

This tiny production Pinot Noir from Errazuriz is matured in French oak barrels, of which 30% is new - with 15% whole-bunch fermentation. Bright ruby colour in the glass with a powerfully fragrant nose of roses, violets, cherry blossom and bright red fruits, there is a subtly smoky undertone from the new oak adding complexity. The palate is youthful and vibrant with cherries, plums, and lifted floral aromas all supported by sappy and slightly toasty, smoky oak that adds a layer of nutmeg and clove to the complexity of the flavour profile. The tannins are silky smooth, gliding over the mid-palate and melting into the mineral-cool, fresh finish that is pure in red fruit character. There is a flourish of spice and bramble fruit just at the finish, which is very long. A remarkable Pinot Noir and the best we have ever tasted from Chile. Tasted at the winery in November 2016.