2002 Michel Laroche / Jorge Coderch ‘Rio Azul’ Chardonnay,

Casablanca, Chile
£6.99

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I have flicked back through my tasting notes from the London Wine Trade Fair of 2002 and compared them to this week’s Chilean event. 2001 Piedra Felix Pinot Noir and 2001 Colina Negra Cabernet Sauvignon both from Laroche and Coderch all scored well, and have both shown very good progression.

There is a lot of competition for the Cabernet slot and this cooler, more European wine will suit claret lovers, but at £9.99ish (Bibendum Wine) looks dear.

The Pinot, however, also at £9.99-ish (Waitrose), is a little cracker – balanced, clean, accurate and aromatic.

It just shows that these two guys make a good team, and perhaps Chile needs to continue to look outside of the country for the time being for vital tips on improving both their viticulture skills and their vinification techniques.