Chono Reserva Syrah 2006, Chile
This little wine from the cool, northerly Elqui Valley is made by maestro Alvaro Espinoza, and for me represents one of the best – and best value – Syrahs to have appeared so far out of South America. It has a bright, peppery and spicy nose, with keen, juicy red fruit and a wild, garrigue and game edge. The palate is just fabulous – lovely fruit, thick, rich and sweet but riven with clear acidity and deliciously ripe tannins. A beautifully expressive and balanced wine, and a great bargain. £7.55
