Vina Leyda Costero Syrah 2009 (Leyda Valley)

Tasted 31/07/2011, 14% ABV. About £8.50 UK retail (e.g. Majestic). I have had this wine in stock for a year or so and at 2 years of age, it's about ready to drink now. Vina Leyda is up-and-coming (established 1997 according to the authoritative Peter Richard's Chile guide) and gets passing mention (for example) in the latest Parker guide. I haven't tried their Pinot Noir but this Syrah, whilst not in the same league as Vina Mayu, Casa Lapostelle or Matetic EQ, is a lovely wine nonetheless, fruity and bred for early drinking but elegant too. Ruby red, raspberries and berries on the nose, with white pepper and coffee on the palate overlying a layer of brambly fruit, with structured tannins. Excellent value for money. From 2011, 16/20.