Tabali Pai Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2020

This Tabalí Pai Pinot Noir has earned exceptional scores (97pts James Suckling, 95pts from Robert Parker, Tim Atkin, and Vinous) due to its unique terroir near the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime influence creates a distinctive chalky minerality and subtle salinity that sets it apart from typical New World pinots. This coastal positioning allows the grapes to develop complex earthy characteristics while maintaining the elegance pinot noir is known for, resulting in a wine that critics describe as bordering on perfection.

The vineyard's closeness to the Atlantic Ocean creates a cooling maritime climate that dramatically influences the wine's character. This coastal effect slows ripening, allowing for more complex flavour development while preserving natural acidity. The ocean's mineral-rich air and morning fog contribute to the wine's distinctive chalky minerality and subtle salinity, creating layers of complexity that complement the forest floor, redcurrant, and rhubarb notes.

While this 2020 vintage is drinking beautifully now, showing excellent integration of its textured, savoury characteristics, it's also described as highly age-worthy. Pinot noir from cool coastal regions like this often develops additional complexity over 5-10 years, with the earthy forest floor notes becoming more pronounced and the fruit flavours evolving into more nuanced secondary characteristics. The wine's exceptional structure suggests it will reward patient cellaring.

Chilean coastal pinot noir represents an exciting evolution in New World winemaking, offering a middle ground between Burgundian elegance and New World fruit intensity. This Tabalí example showcases how Chile's unique geography - with ocean influence and diverse soil types - can produce pinots with distinctive mineral complexity that rivals traditional cool-climate regions. The combination of power and composure in this wine demonstrates Chile's emerging reputation as a serious pinot noir producer.

The wine's medium body and savoury, earthy character make it incredibly food-friendly, particularly with dishes that echo its forest floor and mineral notes. Think roasted duck with cherry sauce, mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon with herbs. The subtle salinity from ocean influence also makes it excellent with charcuterie or aged cheeses. The wine's textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity can handle richer preparations while the earthy complexity complements game meats beautifully.