Simon Hackett Shiraz Anthony's Reserve 1998

This classic American oak aged McLaren Shiraz has opulent plum and cassis fruit and is a touch spicier than most. A pronounced tannic structure shows this will hold for quite a few years to come. 91 from phyll and WS. Good value at €24.

Apaltagua Envero 2000

Lately I have found a need (Who doesn't?) for QPR wines in the €10 region. One of my finds at the New World Wine Experience was this Chilean Cabernet/Carmenere blend from Rapel, created by star enologist Alvaro Espinoza.

A bit clumsy on opening it develops well over two hours or so in the decanter showing this could need some two more years in the bottle. Beautiful black cherry aromatics and flavors. 89 from WS and if you give it enough air, I'd agree. Bought a sixpack at slightly over €11 (single bottle is €16) and find it a very good purchase.

I must have been a root louse in a past life....

Did you know that Envero is the process (and hence time of the year) of color-changing of the grapes? It also brings sugar concentration and a very weird aspect in the vineyards until all the grapes change (not homogeneously at all).
What is the English term for this?

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Free Winona!

Oh yes, I diligently read the back label.... it's veraison in French and possibly the same in English.

I must have been a root louse in a past life....

No wonder I couldn't think of an English translation, didn't think of the French either, which I should have remembered (pops up periodically in BBs)

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Free Winona!