These are both good wines, offering some Pinot Noir character at a good price, but they’re a bit lacking in elegance. I’d recommend them, but only on the basis of value for money, and because it is so, so hard to get good cheap Pinot Noir.
Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2009 Central Valley, Chile
Vibrant, juicy and fruity with cherry and plum notes, a well as some savoury spiciness and a hint of rubberiness. Tastes like Pinot, though, and for this price that’s an achievement. 83/100 (£6.99 Oddbins, Majestic, Asda, Booths, Budgens, Londis, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco, Waitrose)
Cono Sur Pinot Noir Reserva 2008 Casablanca Valley, Chile
Minty, spicy oaky edge to the bright berry fruits nose. The palate has a hint of earth and some warm spicy notes underpinning the fresh, focused cherry fruit. More elegant than the regular Pinot Noir, but does it need the oak? Warm finish. 87/100 (£7.99 Somerfield, Tesco)
I think the Reserva is a very decent wine and better than many of the NZ Pinot Noirs you get for about 30% more on price.
One I’d recommend is the Palatia from Marks and Spencer. Really dodgy looking label but don’t let that fool you, it’s from cool climate Pfalz and very pure, clean, precise Pinot.
Would love to hear your thoughts on it.
hmmm… oops, unfortunate choice of label. presumably commissioned before this? http://www.decanter.com/news/294567.html
Glad you have reviewed these two Pinots Jamie as I have tried them both and concure – Chile can do Pinot that resembles Pinot at a low price which is great, but don’t expect complexity and elegance! What they do offer is solid, enjoyable (rather simple) Pinot at an affordable price for most people and that can only be a good thing. The Reserva if only a quid more is probably worth the extra spend, I do wonder if tasted blind though if I’d be able to distinguish them!
Having tried both of them in older vintages I think that there is quite a difference between the two wines. The ordinary one is very ordinary but the Reserva has proved to be relatively complex if cellared for up to 4 years. I’ve not come across a Pinot at that price point which is anywhere near as good. I think that the oak may help with time. In the past I have picked up bottles of the Reserva on special offer which make it an even better buy but not seen it on a deal recently.
Excellent wine for the price – Chile offers some gorgeous reds, which we’re working through (particularly their Carménère).
Yet to try the Reserva, but will make this high on the priority list!
A damn good wine especially for the price, it won’t let you down.
Tried this brand a while back but clearly needs a re-visit.
We like the reviews for bottles under £20,
more please…
Bought the Reserva for £6 today at Tesco in their current wine festival promotion. Going to try it now with Chinese. It’s quite dry and very closed on initial tasting, but given some time to open up, it shows spice and light red fruit balanced with a little acidity. A good challenger for NZ PN’s for the price. Was quite pleased it doesn’t have the ‘burnt’ character that some cheaper new world, hot climate, PN’s show. I would suggest leaving open for at least an hour or decanting a couple of times to bring out its best.
Hi Guys,
The standard Pinot was on sale today at my local Tesco for £ 3.00 – Got to be worth a few bottles at this price!