Chacra Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir Patagonia

Austere personality based on the structure, not only on the fruit. Very elegant and lovely balance with firm texture, typical of a great young wine. Beautiful finish.

The 2012 Cincuenta y Cinco was sourced from a ripe vintage which resulted in a juicy, ripe, slightly candied Pinot Noir that shows aromas of sweet spices (cinnamon, vanilla). Despite all that, the wine only had 12.9% alcohol so the palate is fresher than the nose and has abundant fine tannins that would do well with food.

Pale-medium red. Tangy, shy aromas of raspberry, strawberry, cherry, peppery spices, horseradish and underbrush. Juicy, delicate and nicely delineated but youthfully tight, with pepper and herb notes accenting tart red berry flavors. Relies more on its bright acidity than on its dusty tannins for structure. Subtle and understated pinot if a bit undernourished. Not at the same level as the riper, deeper 2011 bottling.

The name of the wine refers to the year the vines were planted (1955, for non Spanish speakers). There's also 2% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, which adds a green pepper undertone. But it's the quality of the Pinot that shines through, along with the restrained alcohol and refined, herbal flavours. A wine that grows and develops in the glass. Drink: 2014-18

Hands down, this is the finest Pinot Noir from South America that I´ve ever tasted, and that includes Chile, Argentina and anyplace else.