Koyle Cerro Basalto 2016

95 Points - Robert Parker

 The 2016 Cerro Basalto Cuartel G2 is a new red blend from the plot they call G2 in their basalt hill, where 2.6 hectares are planted with high-density Carmenere and Cabernet Franc, a blend that I started to see this time. It had an élevage of 18 months in 225-liter French oak barrels and has 13.6% alcohol. 2016 is a cooler year, and they harvested the grapes quite early. The majority here is Carmenere, but there are no green aromas. Instead, it's spicy and peppery and has the elegance I find in some of my favorite wines from Bordeaux. It's no surprise these varieties work here too, but they behave in a somewhat different way and provide a textured, serious and austere palate I love. (LG)  (10/2018)