The local ABC Fine Wines and Spirits hosted a great wine tasting last week, so of course this Rampant Oenophile attended with note pad and tasting glass firmly in hand. We enjoyed nearly 50 wines over the course of nearly 90 minutes with a terrific opportunity to speak directly with the wine makers and distributors for a selection that ranged the globe and the palate.The 2005 Tres Palacios Merlot Cholqui now occupies a special place among my favorite wines. It comes from Chile, and is 100% Merlot, from within the Maipo Valley. This wine shows well in the glass offering a clear deeply red wine with violet hues. You smell red fruit: berries, currants, and cherry. I noticed subtle spices, but not the coffee or mocha that is listed in the product literature. The Cholqui offers a “Wow” factor because it’s as big as any good cab, but properly balanced and very smooth. This wine leaves no lingering after taste, but has a great soft finish. Velvety smooth, which is what one should expect from a premium category Merlot at this price range. If you can find a bottle under $40, but one because it’s difficult to find online for less than $44.
The Cholqui is as good or better than many more expensive reds, including both the Duckhorn and Decoy from that same winery. I recommend it highly.
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