The 2009 Trio Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (67%) - Syrah (18%) - Cabernet Franc (15%) offers more spice and herbal notes. In the glass it is full-bodied, savory, and round with good concentration, medium length, and a friendly personality. Drink this very good value over the next 2-3 years. Cocha y Toro is the largest wine producer in Chile as the above list attests. Remarkably, they are also one of the quality leaders and innovators leading the country forward. The Gran Reserva Serie are wines made from a single vineyard meant to display a particular terroir. The Marques de Casa Concha wines are also sourced from single vineyards but exposed to more new oak and a longer elevage. Some of the finest wines produced in Chile, particularly from the Carmenere grape, are being bottled and sold under the Terrunyo label under the direction of veteran winemaker Ignacio Recabarren.Importer: Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY; tel. (516) 626-9200

The 2008 Trio Red Blend from Maipo is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with some Shiraz and Cabernet Franc. It is less exuberant aromatically but it still shows a fine perfume of cigar box, spice notes, herbs, black cherry, and blueberry. Firm on the palate with complex flavors, it will continue to improve in the bottle and offer prime drinking through 2018. The Trio wines must be tasted to be believed. Concha y Toro is Chile’s largest winery in volume and, remarkably given its size, one of its finest in overall quality. However, the entry level Casillero del Diablo range had more misses than hits. The Trio Series is made by one of Chile’s most renowned winemakers, Ignacio Recabarren, who is also responsible for the other-worldly Terrunyo Carmenere Carmin de Peumo. The Trio wines rank with the greatest wine bargains on the planet.Importer: Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY; Tel: (800) 635-6511