Five VSPT wines among Chile’s Top 100 according to James Suckling
The most recent edition of the Top 100 Wines of Chile ranking prepared each year by renowned wine critic James Suckling has placed five VSPT Wine Group wines among the country’s best.
Viña Leyda, Viña San Pedro and Viña Tarapacá were all mentioned in the report, reaffirming the winemaking excellence of the group’s brands and the exceptional quality of their wines, which are recognized in the ranking year after year.
Leading the VSPT list is Tayu 1865 2022, which placed 22nd with 95 points, accompanied by the following tasting note: “Tangy mezcal pepperiness, fresh herbs and smokiness bring this pinot noir to the next level. Very unique and firm with lots of fresh tannins that some might find a bit rustic. But this is so fresh and structured and the tannins come from the skins and the stems. Excellent length and really structured. Clones 777, 115 and 828. Wild yeast with 35% whole clusters. Great value. Drink from 2025.”
Viña Leyda had two wines in the ranking: Leyda Coastal Vineyards Canelo Syrah 2022 with 95 points and Leyda Lot 4 Sauvignon Blanc 2023 with 94, placing 23rd and 58th respectively.
The Syrah was described thus: “A peppery, meaty syrah that shows power, depth and freshness. Grilled thyme, chaparral and fresh, meaty blue and black fruit. Full and concentrated on the palate but nothing heavy, with lots of fresh tannins before a juicy and tight finish. Quite long. Drink or hold.”
Meanwhile, the Sauvignon Blanc received the following tasting note: “Always a serious sauvignon blanc that shows good depth. A mineral verve to the chalky, limey citrus notes with a subtle, creamy tinge. Full-bodied on the palate, showing a more phenolic edge to the center palate. Long and broad finish with electric acidity. 5,000 bottles made. Drink or hold.”
In 32nd place is San Pedro’s iconic wine, Altair 2021, which received 96 points: “…Plenty of fruit, with a profile of more red fruit and berries. Subtle spices and violets. Juicy and more reserved with a medium to full body and super fine, polished tannins that indicates the potential of the wine. More precise and pure than before. Very long but subtle…”
We close the ranking with Tarapacá Gran Reserva Etiqueta Azul 2022, which placed 77 with 94 points and stood out for its “Complex nose full of smoked herbs, tarragon, white pepper, paprika and a touch of tar. Full-bodied and structured, with tightly wound tannins that turn mellow and dusty. Juicy fruit at the end. long, focused and comfortably firm. Very flavorful finish…”
In this way, VSPT continues to consolidate its reputation and winemaking credentials by giving the world some of the wines that best represent Chilean viticulture.
