Cellar notes #26: Best in show

The potential for growing organic wines in Chile received a ringing endorsement when the 2001 Coyam was awarded the best of show trophy at the first Chilean annual wine awards.

The potential for growing organic wines in Chile received a ringing endorsement when the 2001 Coyam was awarded the best of show trophy at the first Chilean annual wine awards. Although one of the prime movers behind Chile's organic movement, Alvaro Espinoza, the winemaker, was too modest to take credit himself.

The wine is only a first release by Viña Organica Emiliana. Made from a blend of carmenère, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and mourvèdre grown organically, it's an instant modern classic, an aromatic red with a seductive berry fruit quality and a lifespan of a good five years. 2001 Coyam is available from Vintage Roots, Farley Farms, Bridge Farm, Reading Road, Arborfield, Berkshire RG2 9HT (01189 976 1999; e-mail info-vintageroots.co.uk) for £113.35 a case, or £9.45 a bottle, including delivery.

Among other notable trophy winners, the 2001 Viña Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon showed its class by winning the trophy for best value red in the show. Made from 100 per cent cabernet sauvignon, this seductively pure, rich, cassis-laden cabernet retails at around £7.99 from Safeway, The Wine Society and Tanners of Shrewsbury (01743 234455). The trophy for best pinot noir went to the 2001 Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir, £14.99, The Wine Society, one of a handful of Chilean pinot noirs whose raspberryish character and intense fruit richness could give red burgundy a serious run for its money.