The 2008 Pinot Noir Limited Edition 20 Barrels spent 12 months in oak. Aromas of cedar, Asian spices, incense, black cherry, and black raspberry set the stage for a succulent, velvety-textured, concentrated, nicely proportioned Pinot. In the glass it exhibits excellent volume, incipiently complex flavors, and a lengthy finish. It is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and will provide optimum drinking from 2013 to 2018. Cono Sur Vineyards and Winery has established a reputation for combining value and quality and has been a leader in the development of Pinot Noir in Chile. The Bicycle Series is their entry level, line priced at $10. The next step up the ladder is the Vision series which are single vineyard wines line priced at $15. The top tier is the Limited Edition 20 Barrel Series which are somewhat pricier. Cono Sur also produces several bargain priced wines from organically grown fruit.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 949-6264

Bold and spicy, with a lot of cinnamon, licorice and toasty aromas. Quite intense in the mouth, where black cherry, toast and vanilla flavors lead the charge. The finish is tangy and long, with coffee and citrus accents coming along late in the game. Made from whole berries fermented in open-top vats. ——W.E.(2/1/2011)—— 88