Antiyal

Recent tasting notes: Josh Raynolds
Kuyen – Maipo Valley 2006

($30; 66% syrah and 17% each of cabernet sauvignon and carmenere) Ruby-red. Strong floral and red berry aromas are complemented by cracked pepper and baking spices. Sappy raspberry and blackberry flavors are given spine by tangy acidity and firmed by dusty tannins. Fresh, elegant and precise, with very good finishing clarity and lingering spiciness. Already delicious but balanced to age; I’d hold onto this wine for a few more years.  - 90 points

Antiyal – Maipo Valley 2006

($55; 44% carmenere, 34% cabernet sauvignon and 22% syrah) Ruby with a bright rim. Fresh red berries, flowers and smoky minerals on the nose, with a suave undercurrent of Asian spices. Lively, finely etched raspberry, redcurrant and cherry flavors possess impressive depth but are also quite lithe, with silky tannins adding support. Gains weight and sweetness on the finish, which features notes of black raspberry and floral pastille. This is delicious right now but balanced to reward at least another five years of patience. (Global Vineyard Importers, Berkeley, CA)  - 92 points