Primero
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Carmenère
Claret
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay "Un-Oaked"
Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Loud River Roaring Red
Limarí Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Limarí Valley Chardonnay
What the Media is Saying About La Playa
NEWS
Wines of The Times
From Chile, History in a Bottle
By ERIC ASIMOV
Perhaps a key to Chile’s future success in the global wine market is carmenère, a little known grape that requires a look back at Chile’s surprisingly long wine history.
LA PLAYA AXEL
2004 Axel Primero
••• GOLD MEDAL.
New World International Wine Competition, April 2008
••• “Ruby-red. Bright red berry, tobacco and floral aromas remind me of classic Bordeaux. Sharply focused redcurrant and mineral flavors are firmed by dusty tannins, finishing with good lift and grip. I'd cellar this for a few years.”International Wine Cellar, March 11, 2008
••• GOLD MEDAL.Florida State Fair 2008
••• SILVER MEDAL.Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, April 2008
2002 Axel Primero
••• Critics Gold Medal
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, June, 2007
••• An intense Chilean red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere and Syrah. Smoky and rich, terrific with grilled beef and lamb. French oak aging gives it grace and depth.Kansas City Star, May 10, 2007
••• “Powerful, earthy and pungent.”Nick Passmore, Forbes Magazine Online
••• 4.5 Stars - "Called Primero because this blend will always get the first or best of the fruit; very nice, indeed." Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• "Best Buy" 88 points. La Playa 2002 Axel Primero (Colchagua Valley); $30. Very sturdy and measured, with ripe cherry and berry aromas touched up by a blast of leather and black olive. The palate on this Cab-dominated blend shows familiar but likable cassis, black cherry and cola flavors. Tannic and firm late, with a shot of chocolate to sweeten things up.Wine Enthusiast, June, 2006
••• GOLD MEDAL. Vinalies Internationales 2006, Paris.
••• GOLD MEDAL. “Powerful, earthy and pungent.” Nick Passmore, Forbes Magazine Online.
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, June, 2007
••• SILVER MEDAL.Japan Wine Challenge 2006.
2005 Axel Cabernet Sauvignon
••• BRONZE MEDAL
Grand Harvest Award 2008
••• “Bright red. Spicy red berry and cherry scents are enlivened by cracked pepper and fresh rose. Juicy cherry and raspberry flavors pick up smoky mocha and anise with air, as well as dusty tannins. Finishes with good lift and persistence.” International Wine Cellar, March 11, 2008
••• BEST BUY. 88 points.Wine Enthusiast, May 2008
••• BRONZE MEDAL.Florida State Fair 2008
••• BRONZE MEDAL.Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, April 2008
2004 Axel Cabernet Sauvignon
••• 4 stars - "A trifle oaky, more California style than Bordeaux, with black fruit, a touch of herbs."
Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• New exciting kid on the block makes big-time palate impression: ripe, lush fruit of plum, berry, cherry; nuances of cinnamon and tobacco with woodsy spicy toast; balanced with firm tannins, fruit acids, fruit and viscous texture; blended with Cabernet Franc and Carmenere; complex for so young a wine. Enthusiastically recommended. Seek it out!The Oxford Wine Room, April 2007
••• SILVER MEDAL.Dallas Morning News Wine Competition. April 2007
••• From the Colchagua Valley, home to the previously mentioned Clos Apalta, Axel's La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon represents the best value we have ever seen in Cabernet Sauvignon. Wonderfully aromatic with a deep brooding nose typical of the highest quality Cabernets. Smooth drinking, perfectly balanced. Deep, rich and intense flavors. A great Cabernet Sauvignon at a steal of a price. Highly recommended.New World Wine.com. May 2007
2003 Axel Cabernet Sauvignon
••• "Best Buy" 92 points. La Playa 2003 Axel Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley); $20. The surprise of the moment from Chile has to be this full-throttle keg of dynamite Cabernet. It’s a cellar wannabe with credentials. First off, it’s brilliantly ripe, with forceful black cherry, cinnamon and wood spice on the palate. Huge tannins, poking acids and a couple of floors’ worth of depth make it praiseworthy. Imported by Cabernet Corporation. Cellar Selection.
Wine Enthusiast, June, 2006
2004 Axel Syrah
••• 3-1/2 Stars - “Good dark fruit, but right now it’s a bit rustic, with tannins and herbs leading the way; decant at least two hours before serving.”
Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• CRITICS GOLD MEDAL. “Very well-balanced with nothing excessive.” Paul Lukacs, Washingtonian magazine, The Washington Times.Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, June, 2007
LA PLAYA RESERVES
2006 La Playa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
••• BRONZE MEDAL.
New World International Wine Competition, April 2008
••• BRONZE MEDAL.Florida State Fair 2008
2004 La Playa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
••• “Smooth, with a beam of currant and briar flavors that stretches out on the finish to show more toast and herb notes.
Drink now.”
Wine Spectator, May 15, 2007
••• 4 stars. With 10 percent Syrah, flavors are redolent of cassis (that’s the Syrah), leather, a hint of herbs and chocolate; California in style.Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• SILVER MEDAL. “Highly Recommended.” Deep garnet color. Ripe cassis, blueberry and vanilla bean aromas follow through to a juicy and fruity medium-full body with ripe cassis and delicate spice flavors. Finishes with a long fruit and mild tannin fade.BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2006
••• "Best Buy" Wine Enthusiast, March 2007••• This is a really impressive Cab from Chile. From the first sniff to the finish, it’s loaded with fruit. Looked for crushed dark berries, cassis, dark cherry and plum, and fruit-cake spiciness, all interwoven in attractive complexity and all very well balanced with the acidity needed for a great food wine. It’s medium-plus in weight with a smooth texture. The tannins are fine and sweet and drinking beautifully now, but this will hold well for another two or three years. For a real treat, pair it up with well-seasoned red meat, grilled medium-rare. 4.5 stars (out of 5 stars). Drink-cellar.
Ottawa Citizen, February 2007
2003 La Playa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
••• "Best Buy" 88 points. With hickory, coal and spice to the dark nose, this ranks as a masculine Cab with nary a flaw. The palate is chunky and ripe, with sweet dark-fruit flavors. And the finish is spicy and full, with meaty but suave tannins. A high-water mark for the La Playa label.
Wine Enthusiast, November, 2005
••• "Terrific Buy”" A nose that is big and deep, featuring violets and black currants. Fruity but nicely structured by a streak of tannins. Fairly dry, with a touch of tomato, but having no sweetness in the aftertaste. 2003 is proving to be one of the best recent vintages in Chile.Richard Stetler’s Fine Wines & Tastings, Aug. 2005
••• "Best Buy" 88 points. Shy black cherry, raspberry, coffee, caramel and black pepper nose with flavors of softer fruit - red currant, tart cherry, dark chocolate and oak; firm acidity.Wine Enthusiast, November, 2005
2001 La Playa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
••• "This has some flashy vanilla-and chocolate-covered cherry flavors with a very smooth texture. Drink now. 3,800 cases made."
Wine Spectator Jan/Feb 2005
••• "These words will be on the tip of your tongue after you taste this wine: rich, smooth supple. And maybe Wow. This miraculously inexpensive ruby-red gem from the outstanding 2001 vintage-proves that some of the best wine values are from Chile. The La Playa Reserve Cabernet shows off ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with a whiff of cedar and smoke. The tannins-which lend harshness to some wine-are subdued in this bottle."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 2004
2003 La Playa Reserve Merlot
••• 90 points. La Playa hits the sweet spot. One of the great discovery stories.
Village Corner, July 2006.
2001 La Playa Reserve Merlot
••• "This wine's ripe red fruit falls into balance with crisp acidity and soft tannins, a simple pleasure to pour with burgers."
Wine & Spirits, February 2005
••• "The 2001 Merlot has a bouquet of earth, black cherry, and coffee grounds which repeat as soft flavors with the addition of unsweetened chocolate. The finish is medium-broad and truncated. Light on its feet."Colorado Wine News, October-December 2004
2007 La Playa Reserve Chardonnay
••• “Light yellow. Ripe melon and peach on the nose, with a subtle floral quality building with air. Bitter pear skin and peach flavors offer moderate concentration and finish with a kiss of lemon zest. Uncomplicated and easy to drink.”
International Wine Cellar, March 11, 2008
••• BRONZE MEDAL New World International Wine Competition, April 2008
••• BEST BUY. 86 points. “La Playa is now sourcing its reserve-level Chardonnay from Limari in the north of Chile, and the wine shows terroir characteristics of citrus flavors and aromas topped by dancing acidity. Expect green apple and citrus to take the lead, and at the end the wine finishes tart but fresh.” Wine Enthusiast, May 2008
2006 La Playa Reserve Chardonnay
••• SILVER MEDAL.
Florida State Fair 2008
••• “Top 11 White Wines under $15” and “Top South American White”BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2007
2005 La Playa Reserve Chardonnay
••• Rounder than most, a bit richer, with nutmeg, cream, lemon and some weight. Good/Very Good.
Wall Street Journal, March 2, 2007
••• SILVER MEDAL. “Best Chilean White Wine - Highly Recommended.” Yellow golden color. Sweet toasty oak, pineapple, and lemon curd aromas follow through to a dryish medium body of lemon custard, crushed pineapple, and vanilla bean flavors. Finishes with a crisp tangerine, pineapple and grapefruit fade.BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2006
••• "Best Buy" Wine Enthusiast, November 20062003 La Playa Reserve Chardonnay
••• "Full and chunky, with a nose of corn cakes, melon and a touch of pickled oak. Banana, mango and melon flavors are sweet and candied, but just enough acidity keeps it on an even keel. Good, but with a sugary side to it." BEST BUY
Wine Enthusiast, February 2005
••• Full bodied with concentrated citrus and tropical fruit, pronounced coconut, and caramel and oak flavors; relatively high alcohol. Grilled swordfish.Sante Magazine March/April 2005
••• "Orange blossom, honied fruit, apple and vanilla aromas; overripe pear, melon, some baking spice, caramel and toffee flavors; quite sweet on entry."San Francisco Chronicle, July 2004
••• "The 2003 Chardonnay was barrel fermented and opens with aromas of sauerkraut and green apple before smooth, very soft flavors of sweet apple, sauerkraut, and lots of spice."Colorado Wine News, October-December 2003
2002 La Playa Reserve Chardonnay
••• "Best Buy" Fresh and clean, with light, lemony aromas in addition to tropical fruit. The palate is textured and full, with fairly pure apple and pineapple flavors and some nuttiness. Everything works here, including the smooth, lengthy finish.
Wine Enthusiast, July, 2003
2005 La Playa Reserve Carmenère
••• “There’s some tingle and bounce to the nose, which exhibits the variety’s herbal character. The palate is fresh, a touch sheering and good overall; cherry flavors are in the lead, with vanilla.”
Wine Enthusiast, July 2008
••• “Dark red. Fresh raspberry and mocha on the nose, with a sexy floral quality adding complexity. Fleshy red fruit flavors offer good depth and clarity, with dusty tannins adding structure. Fruit-driven and very easy to drink.” International Wine Cellar, March 11, 2008
••• SILVER MEDAL. Florida State Fair 2008
••• BRONZE MEDAL. 2007 Long Beach Grand Cru
••• BRONZE MEDAL. Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, April 2008
••• Highly Recommended.
BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2007
2004 La Playa Reserve Carmenère
••• “Top 10 Carmènere”
New York Times, October 17, 2007
••• “Soft, with modest plum and cherry fruit backed by a tobacco note on the medium-weight finish. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator, February 28, 2007
••• 4.5 stars. The star of the show: With less oak, the fruit is more lush, with cherries, blueberries, a hint of vanilla, all well-integrated and just a hint of some exotic spice — mmmmm.Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• 90+. Very intense fruit. Deep blackberry and fine oak seasoning. Variegated, intense, rich.Village Corner.
••• BRONZE MEDAL. Deep ruby black color with a purple rim. Vibrant black and green pepper aromas with a touch of clay. A round entry leads to a dryish medium body with tart blackberry, mineral, roasted pepper and cedar flavors. Finishes with a cedary fade of berry skins and seeds.BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2006
••• "Best Buy" Wine Enthusiast, March 20072001 La Playa Reserve Carmenère
••• Bursting with sweet red cherries and raspberry fruit. A generous, satin-textured, medium-bodied wine, it is soft, friendly, simple and immensely pleasing. Drink this excellent bargain over the next 18 months.
Wine Advocate, August 2003
••• "Nice legs-slow falling and well formed. Dark plum with ruby highlights. High viscosity. Looks like a big, thick, high alcohol drink. The nose follows those ideas with warm, rich, baked black-fruit pie notes-like a black currant tart. Jammy. The attack is full, earthy and backed with acids. Fine tannins then open along side slightly bitter chocolate and fruit. Feels lighter in the mouth than expected, and instead of a load of fruit, it gives back end. A very pleasant surprise. Tannins and acids flow through the long, mildly bitter finish, with hints of the fruit the nose suggested were here in gobs. The tannins linger on the tongue for ages. Begs for food. Roast red meat. As is."Restaurant Wine News, January 2005
••• "Carmenère is best known as a blending grape in France's Bordeaux region. In this case, it is used alone to make a fresh and light red which resembles California's Zinfandels."Swirl Wine News, September-October 2004
••• "Black cherry, cherry cola, raspberry and walnut aromas with hints of 'sweat'; similar ripe, round, dense fruit flavors with mushroom spice and vanilla; amazingly gentle tannins."San Francisco Chronicle, April 2004
••• "A ripe, sweet black cherry and vanilla flavor and a round mouth feel."San Francisco Chronicle, January 2004
••• "Best Buy" "Pungent and borderline sharp at first, this wine ultimately finds its legs and comes together fairly nicely. The mouth is round and quite deep, with good plum, cherry and spice elements. The finish is jammy and full, with good tannins and proper balance. This is Carmenère in a very mainstream, likeable form."Wine Enthusiast, July 2003
2004 La Playa Reserve Claret
••• “Mocha, cocoa and tobacco lead the way for plum, fig and black currant fruit, with a fleshy finish. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator, February 28, 2007
••• 89 points. A massive red, full of ripe black fruit, this Bordeaux varietal blend is as strong as a bear. Give it a year to settle down.”Wine & Spirits June 07
••• GOLD MEDAL. 90 points. Top 14 Wines Under $15, “Best Chilean Red Blend.” Deep garnet color. Creamy vanilla and berry tart, and silt aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a dryish medium-full body with plump dark berry, clay, and vanilla bean flavors. Finishes with a long, toasty, fruity and oaky fade. Sexy with great structure.BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2006
“Top Bargain in Wine” Chicago Tribune, December, 2006
LA PLAYA ESTATE
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
••• SILVER MEDAL. “Highly recommended.” Deep garnet color. Smoky cedar, baked berry, and a touch of vanilla. A supple entry leads to a smooth, dryish medium-full body of berry tart, chocolate covered tangerine peels, and nut flavors. Finishes with a tangy berry and mocha fade.
Beverage Testing Institute, May, 2007
2003 La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon
••• "Best Buy" Brilliant ruby red hue. Black currant, tar and earth aromas. Medium-bodied, this has attractive, forward varietal fruit and a nicely rounded finish with moderate tannins and a hint of black spice.
Beverage Testing Institute, June, 2005
2005 Estate Bottled, Merlot
••• BEST VALUE
Fond du Lac Reporter, September 5, 2007
••• SILVER MEDAL. “Highly recommended.” Deep amethyst color. Dark caramelized nuts, grilled pepper, and prune aromas. A soft supple entry leads to a dryish medium body of plum, toasted nut, and black pepper flavors. Finishes with a nice dash of minerality and crisp acidity. A very pleasant Merlot to serve with food.Beverage Testing Institute, May 2007
2004 La Playa Merlot
••• "Best Buy" Firm and a bit toasty, with some rubber and dark fruit on the nose. Offers sweet berry fruit and kirsch flavors and manages to stay on form through the finish. Likable and on the money.
Wine Enthusiast, November 2005
••• 89 points. La Playa’s always excellent at Merlot, so it’s no surprise this one’s got heaps of fruits and is intensely varietal.”Village Corner, July 2006
2003 La Playa Merlot
••• "Full bodied with deep staining rivulets. Savory, spiced black-plum aromas lead to balanced flavors of sweet red cherry, chipotle, and grapefruit zest. Crispy sweetbreads."
Sante Magazine, March/April 2005
2007 La Playa Sauvignon Blanc
••• BEST OF CLASS GOLD MEDAL
New World International Wine Competition, April 2008
••• BRONZE MEDAL.Florida State Fair 2008
••• “Top 10 White Wines under $8” and “Exceptional Value”
BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2007
2006 La Playa Sauvignon Blanc
••• 3.5 stars. Nice varietal flavors (citrus, melon, hay, herbs) and just barely off-dry in the finish.
Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• “Don’t ignore the racy, thirst-quenching Sauvignon Blancs of Chile. Made from grapes grown in view of the Andes Mountains, this wine has solid lime and passion fruit flavors. A bargain all-star.”San Francisco Chronicle, July 6, 2007
••• BEST VALUEFond du Lac Reporter, September 5, 2007
••• SILVER MEDAL “Highly Recommended.” Straw color. Melon, lime and mineral aromas and flavors. Crisp, wet, mineral fade with a dash of tart citrus peels. A nice, crisp white wine for the table – try with scallops.BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2006
••• "Best Buy" In its price range you can’t beat this for freshness and flavor. The nose is a touch floral and sweet, while the palate is forward and flush with mild gooseberry and citrus flavors. Finishes clean and short, with a certain slickness that seems appropriate.Wine Enthusiast, March 2007
••• 3-1/2 stars (out of 5). Showy. A lovely, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Savory aromas and flavors of tart Meyer lemon and lemongrass.”Press Democrat, February 7, 2007
2005 La Playa Sauvignon Blanc
••• Crisp, lively, fun and light as air. Tastes like sunshine.
Wall Street Journal May 26, 2006
2004 La Playa Sauvignon Blanc
••• "Medium to full bodied with vibrant aromas of tangerine peel and ruby grapefruit leading to an integrated, mineral-laden palate; touch of heat in the finish. Pike with garlic."
Sante Magazine March/April 2005
••• "Like diving into and invigorating pool. Light and easy, with the sensation of just-squeezed grapes bursting with sunshine. Lovely-and what a price."Smart Money, March 2005
••• "This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is a perennial bargain, offering notes of melon and citrus fruit with lively acidity. You would be hard pressed to find a better Sauvignon Blanc for the money."Calgary Herald, May 29, 2005
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
••• 4 stars. Strawberry and watermelon flavors, and just slightly off-dry, which is the way many Americans like their pink wines.
Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• SILVER MEDAL. “Highly recommended.” Light cherry red color. Toasty strawberry jam aromas. A crisp entry leads to a delicately fruity medium body of warm fruit compote with a touch of caramelized nuts. Finishes with a honeyed lemon peel and mild fruit tannin fade. Very tasty.Beverage Testing Institute, May 2007
••• Very appealing strawberry and raspberry aromas; off-dry, with plenty of lively fruit; refreshing and pleasant.WineBuzz, May-June 2007
2005 La Playa Rose
••• 90 points. Excellent Cabernet Rose…not an easy achievement.
Village Corner, July, 2006
••• An absolutely gorgeous rose-colored wine. Looks like something you want to sip on your deck, and it is. This lively wine is filled with slightly sweet tart cherry fruit at the start, but finishes dry and refreshing. Light- to medium-bodied; pairs well with fish, chicken, salad and other light dishes.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 7, 2007
2004 La Playa Rose
••• Aromas and flavors of ripe strawberry, cherry, apricot, orange zest and maraschino cherry; slight herb on the nose; firm tannins; juicy acidity; sweeter style.
San Francisco Chronicle, July 7, 2005
2007 La Playa Un-Oaked Chardonnay
••• “Top 10 White Wines under $8” and “Exceptional Value”
BTI World Value Wine Challenge, October 2007
2006 La Playa Un-Oaked Chardonnay
••• Fruit-forward, filled with vibrant aromas of fresh peaches and pineapple. This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and does not have any oak flavor to mask the taste. This is a medium-bodied wine that would pair well with fish, chicken and other light foods.”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 7, 2007
••• BRONZE MEDAL. "Recommended." Yellow straw color. Lemon curd, crabapple, and lychee aromas. A soft entry leads to a fruity light-to-medium body of tart green apple and citrus flavors with crisp, slightly prickly acidity and fruit tannins on the finish.
Beverage Testing Institute, May 2007
2004 La Playa Un-Oaked Chardonnay
••• 89 points. Very impressive. This could be a $15-$20 California Chardonnay.
Village Corner, July 2006.
2005 Loud River
••• 3 stars. The indigenous Indian name for the Tinguiririca River at the winery translates to “loud river.” An unusual blend of 50 percent petit verdot, 40 percent carmenère and 10 percent cabernet; the wine is unoaked to bring the fruit forward, and there’s a touch of herbs; this is an unusual blend, and a work in progress.
Michael Lonsford, Houston Chronicle, July 4, 2007
••• Viña La Playa is in Chile’s prestigious Colchagua Valley, known for offering high quality wines at reasonable prices. Their latest wine, Loud River Roaring Red 2005, is a winner. This full-bodied red wine offers unique and powerful flavors. The Petit Verdot adds deep color and a peppery quality, and the Carmenère adds an unmistakable clove-like spice. Rounded out with Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend is bold and fruity, perfect with garlicky or heavily spiced foods, or barbecued meats.Abilene Reporter News, June 6, 2007
••• CRITICS GOLD MEDAL. “Herbal notes augment wonderfully expressive lush fruit.” Paul Lukacs, Washingtonian magazine, The Washington Times.Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, June, 2007
••• BRONZE MEDAL.Dallas Morning News Wine Competition. April 2007
••• BRONZE MEDAL.New World International Wine Competition. March 2007
••• 89 points. Think of this as a “reverse” Bordeaux blend, with Petit Verdot and Carmenere making up most of the cuvee, joined by just a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine delivers plenty of dark fruit flavor (plum and various berries) and just the right degree of spice to make it a rival to California Zinfandel as the perfect beverage for a backyard barbecue.Victorville Daily Press, May 25, 2007
••• Intriguing nose full of sweet blackberry jam, milk chocolate, cinnamon and cedar spice with a touch of oak in the back. Juicy palate displays plum and strawberry upfront with added cocoa powder a hint of leather and a smooth black currant finish. The perfect match for sticky finger grilled baby back ribs, smothered in sweet and spicy barbecue sauce.www.wine-blog.org (Wine Business Monthly) June, 2007