Supple, heft, slick.
Finca El Origen is owned by Chile's Santa Carolina; the name refers to the high mountain vineyards that were once an ocean, then mountains, and then a mountain range.
Notes of stony mineral, black raspberry, wild currents, vanilla and salted licorice are woven with espresso, dark chocolate and dried herbs. It has a supple palate lined with generous fruit and a slick texture. Strong bitter elements here such as dark chocolate and coffee and toasted spice dominate the palate, the tannins have some heft and chew.
A wine for grilling.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 6th, 2021

Second review: October 2019Grapey aromas are woven with cassis, spicy licorice, vanilla, mocha and violets. A supple wine with generous fruit and hints of bayleaf. Easy to drink, tasty and balanced with decent length.
Overall, good value.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 25th, 2019

Quaffer, bright, approachable.
Here is a new look for this affordable Cabernet, which hails from the Miraflores vineyards in Colchagua; it had eight months of French barrel ageing before bottling. An international style offering aromas of ribena, cherry juice, vanilla and baking spices with minty undertones. Fresh and bright in the mouth with juicy red fruits. A flavourful quaffer at a buy-by-the-case price.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Parmesan & Rosemary
 
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 28th, 2019

Fresh, value, silky.
A fresh, updated look adorns the Santa Carolina bottles, and this value Pinot Noir hails from the popular and cooler-climate Casablanca Valley not far from Santiago.
Expect red cherry, rhubarb, red plums and savoury spices with a potpourri of cedar chips and dried violets. It is fresh and harmonious; silky and seamless. Good overall balance with leather, tealeaf and tangy red fruit flavours.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 15th, 2018

Fresh, value, silky.
A value Pinot Noir hailing from the small, cooler and fog-laden appellation called Leyda not far from the ocean. It's a wine I often suggest for those looking for value and a tasty wine. This one delivers spiced cherries, raspberry tea, patchouli and violets. It is fresh and juicy with expressive fruit and good pinosity. Approachable, has good length and pairs with salmon, grilled or pan fried mushrooms, squash risotto with sage or beets.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 29th, 2019

Fresh, value, juicy.
A value Pinot Noir hailing from the small, cooler appellation called Leyda that rests close to the ocean, resulting in impressive morning fog banks.
Ruby-hued it boasts sweet raspberry aromas woven with star anise, pipe tobacco, cocoa, vanilla, clove and cinnamon. The palate is equally juicy and approachable while the tannins are a bit angular. An enjoyable red with salmon, grilled or pan fried mushrooms, squash risotto with sage or beets.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 23rd, 2020