Before you wonder what takes us to pristine Chile today, consider this. We love us a great Brunello, don’t we? What’s there not to like: class, complexity and the benefit of age, required by law. Take the quality obsessed approach of a Tuscan noble, famous for his Brunello, with his TOP consultant to reconstruct all that in a biodynamically farmed Cabernet blend. There you have it, for 22 bucks, with accolades to back… while his Brunellos fetch $50-200+?! Holy Maule!

The harvest for this showstopper took place a decade ago, which is hard to believe looking at it - deep ruby with a crimson cloak. The nose is intensely perfumed like a Bordeaux, with staggering cassis, marionberries, dried oregano, a kiss of eucalyptus, pencil lead and a hint of cardamom. Superbly balanced with medium body and an elegant build thanks to the silky tannins that have just begun to soften. Long and complex enough to give its Old World counterparts a run for the money. This has another decade to continue its trajectory of sublime enjoyment and will sing with aged cheeses and rich ragù drenched pastas. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmigiano Reggiano to boost the Italian pedigree here.

James Suckling, the expert he is on all things Tuscany, was one of the first to recognize the greatness emerging from this bucolic corner of South America, and deems this 2010; “best wine ever from here… such balance and beauty” while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate attests to its lasting power; “with rectitude and balance… a vintage that should age for a very long time in bottle.” No doubt delighted we are to offer a PRIME Cab blend just hitting its PEAK drinking window, and at such a ridiculous price today.

Now the not so good news, we only secured a tiny stash directly from the winery library, and we’re trying not to drink it all. Provenance is guaranteed so pile up by the case with confidence, while they last.

93 Points – James Suckling

“Best wine ever from here after 10 years. Full body, velvety tannins and a rich yet refined finish. Such balance and beauty. Wet earth, berry and cedar too. Certified organic. Natural yeast fermentations.”

92 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Reserva de Caliboro is owned by Count Francesco Marone Cinzano, who also owns Col d’Orcia in Montalcino in Tuscany. He was one of the founding members of MOVI (The Independent Chilean Winemakers Movement). He first arrived in Chile in 1991 and started studying the regions in search of a place, usually in the banks of the rivers. One day he found an old colonial winery built with adobe. That was back in 1996, when he bought it, restored it and turned it into Reserva de Caliboro. He planted the vineyards, which he is currently restructuring, removing the trellises and moving to the old goblet system. Finally in 2001 he produced his first wine. All of the vineyards are dry farmed and organically certified from the begging, and in the winery they never use any selected yeasts. The 2010 Erasmo varies its composition slightly from vintage to vintage, and in 2010 it was mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from Maule; it matured in used French barriques for 18 months. Compared with the 2011, this 2010 is more serious and austere, with rectitude and balance, a subtlety in its aromas and a nice precision in the palate. This is a vintage that should age for a very long time in bottle. I also tasted the 2004 for context and to check the evolution, and while they had some issues because they moved from a rented space to their own winery coinciding with that harvest, the wine is evolving nicely. Drink 2016-2023.”