Matetic EQ Granite Pinot Noir 2018

There are two Pinot Noirs in the EQ range from the balanced vintage of 2015, starting with the regular 2015 EQ Pinot Noir. It's produced with grapes from their coastal Valle Hermoso vineyard, the youngest vineyard that was organically farmed since the beginning and designed specifically to grow Pinot Noir on slopes rich in granite. The destemmed but uncrushed grapes fermented in open vats with 15% full clusters and indigenous yeasts. Malolactic was in Burgundy barrels, where the wine completed an aging of one year. There is a clear step up in complexity and depth compared with the Corralillo and also more freshness, from a vineyard that has contained yields and has more influence from the sea.

Very bright and flamboyant aromas of crushed raspberry and blueberry. Hints of spice. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fruity, savory character. Whole berry and 25% stems in fermentation and maceration. Fruit-forward in a subtle way. Made from biodynamic grapes.

Dense and rich, with meaty notes to the dark plum, dried cherry and rooibos tea flavors. Crisp midpalate, with some flinty accents. The finish lingers with cardamom and allspice hints. Drink now through 2019.

EQ is a consistent leader among Chilean Pinots. This vintage shows high-toned, edgy aromas of currant and spice. It's quite full in body, with a resiny, creamy oak note that should settle in the near future. Woody, ripe-berry flavors finish round, with a mild sense of chocolaty richness. Drink through 2018.

Feb 14 by Josh Raynolds - Ruby-red. Red and dark berry preserves on the highly perfumed, spice-accented nose. Fleshy, focused, alluringly sweet blackberry and cherry compote flavors are braced by a zesty mineral nuance and pick up a smoky element with air. Shows excellent clarity and power on the finish, which is firmed by smooth, harmonious tannins. Very impressive for Chilean pinot.