Vinous
If there is a producer in Chile making a significant impact and defining new wine styles, it is Garage Wine Co. Founded by Pilar Miranda and Derek Mossman Knapp, later joined by viticulture professor Alvaro Peña and Ernesto Muller, the company focuses on exploring and reviving old vineyards, primarily in Maule. Using grapes from Cauquenes, Sauzal, Calivoiro and Empedrado that are farmed on horseback with ancient techniques applied from a modern perspective, the team has achieved exceptional results, diverging from the Chilean mainstream.
Their wines are distinctive for their lack of sweetness and focus on lesser-explored grapes like País and Carignan, which have become benchmarks both within Chile and beyond. Ranging from simple to complex, the wines are organized by fermentation series, parcels, crus and limited editions, each reflecting the enterprise’s disruptive, organic spirit. Produced in a rented winery in Caliboro, Garage Wine Co. is a pleasure to discover and enjoy—certainly a producer to follow.
Wine Reviews:
2021 Carignan Vigno – 97 pts
2021 Cariñena Cru Truquilemu Vineyard – 97 pts
2021 Renacido Vineyard Parcel Selection Cab Sauv – 96 pts
2021 Viñedo Truquilemu Selección de Parcela Cariñena – 95 pts
2021 Viñedo Syrah Pereira – Lote 118 – 95 pts
2021 Viñedo Sauzal – Garnacha Cariñena Monastrell – 95 pts
2021 Viñedo Cabernet Franc Las Higueras – 94 pts 2021
Viñedo Cariñena-Garnacha-Monastrell Bagual – 94 puntos
2022 Viñedo Semillón Isidore Selección de parcela F5 – 93 pts
2021 Viñedo Garnacha Bagual – Lote 129 – 93 pts
2020 Viñedo Cabernet Sauvignon Reelegido – Lote 121 – 93 pts
2021 Viñedo Cabernet Franc Pirque – Lote 110 – 93 pts
2021 Cinsault Soothsayer Ferment Single Fer Serie de mentos – 93 pts
2022 País Revival – 93 pts
2021 Carignan Vigno
Rating: 97
Drinking Window: 2026 – 2040, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Carignan Vigno originates from Empedrado in the Maule Region. Sourced from a cold area in a chilly year, it was aged for two winters in new French oak barrels. Garnet in hue, it presents nuanced, subtle aromas of pomegranate, cherry and herbs, complemented by notes of cotton candy, white pepper, earth and oak. Dry, lean and silky, with a compact and refreshing mouthfeel, this Carignan delivers a wild yet balanced palate. It stands out as a rare and expressive VIGNO, offering an unusual flavor profile that lingers long. Simply delicious.
2021 Cariñena Cru Truquilemu Vineyard
Rating: 97
Drinking Window: 2028 – 2040, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Cariñena Cru Truquilemu Vineyard benefitted from a rainy spell in February, just before the harvest. Comprising 97% Cariñena and 3% Syrah, this slightly exotic red reveals herbal aromas with hints of cherry, pepper, dried flowers and a subtle layer of cotton candy. Dry, taut and silky on the palate, its heightened acidity contributes to a nuanced, vibrant flow that resonates in the jaw. This savory, flavorful red is supported by fine-grained, reactive tannins—both from the grapes and the stems—resulting in a well-structured, enduring palate. The Truquilemu Vineyard is a dry-farmed vineyard located in Empedrado on clayish granitic soils in the Maule Region, established in the mid-20th century.
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Renacido Vineyard Parcel Selection – Lot 124
Rating: 96
Drinking Window: 2026 – 2040. Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The garnet-hued 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Renacido Vineyard Parcel Selection – Lot 124 offers ripe cherry and currant aromas with hints of menthol and balsamic notes. Dry, rich and mellow, it features a refreshing core and fine-grained, reactive tannins, resulting in a lingering, concentrated mouthfeel—an expressive and nuanced Cauquenes Cabernet. Cauquenes, located in the Maule Region of the Coastal Range, experiences hot and dry summers. The unique terroir, marked by clayish soils, creates optimal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly during colder vintages. Such is the case with the 2021
2021 Garnacha Cariñena Monastrell Sauzal Vineyard – Lot 125
Rating: 95
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2036, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Garnacha-Cariñena-Monastrell – Lot 125 presents a reductive character, with ripe sour cherry, liqueur-like notes and hints of cotton candy set against a balsamic oaky backdrop. Rich and firm, the palate is silky and refreshing, lingering delicately with energy. The coastal range in the Maule area boasts a forested landscape and a monsoonal climate: rainy winters followed by dry summers. In colder years, the Sauzal commune, with its clayish and granite soils, can achieve exceptional balance—the 2021 is a great example
2021 Cariñena Truquilemu Vineyard Parcel Selection – Lot 127
Drinking Window: 2026 – 2038, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
Maule and Cariñena complement each other in Chile, shaping a new style. This is especially true for the 2021 Cariñena Truquilemu Vineyard Parcel Selection – Lot 127, an old vineyard in Empedrado, Maule Region, which also includes Syrah and Garnacha plantings. Aged for two winters in foudres, this bright purple wine presents a nuanced aroma of herbs, hops and blackberry, with hints of black tea and cherry. Dry, taut and vibrant on the palate, it lingers with a refreshing core full of energy. This slightly reductive red offers an alluring, lasting mouthfeel.
2021 Syrah Pereira Vineyard – Lot 118
Rating: 95
Drinking Window: 2026 – 2038, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Syrah Pereira Vineyard – Lot 118 hails from Cauquenes in the Maule Region. Aged two winters in oak barrels, this purplish wine unfolds alluring aromas of blackberry and raspberry, along with hints of pepper and rosemary. Dry and silky, the faintly rich and concentrated palate offers an ample and fatty mouthfeel. It’s a pristine combination of a great cold vintage and the ripe Cauquenes terroir. Simply delicious.
2021 Cabernet Franc Las Higueras Vineyard – Lot 122
Rating 94
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2034, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Cabernet Franc Las Higueras Vineyard – Lot 122, sourced from Loncomilla, Maule Region, exudes a garnet hue. Aged for two years in used barrels, it presents notes of blackberry, cassis, herbs, graphite and mint. Dry and delicate, its fine-grained and nimble palate offers a lean and energetic mouthfeel. This is a delightful and unique Cabernet Franc, notable for its delicate balance and modest alcohol content of 12.8%.
2021 Cariñena-Garnacha-Monastrell Bagual Vineyard – Lot 126
Rating: 94
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2034, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Cariñena – Garnacha – Monastrell Bagual Vineyard – Lot 126 hails from Caliboro, Maule Region. It combines 48% Cariñena, 35% Garnacha and 17% Monastrell. Aged for two winters in used barrels, this garnet wine with a purplish sheen offers aromas of menthol, boldo and cherries, accompanied by delicate herbal notes. Dry, silky and vibrant, its refreshing, nimble palate flows with nuanced and lasting flavors. This is a modern red wine crafted in the Mediterranean style.
2022 Sémillon Isidore Vineyard Parcel selection F5
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2031, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2022 Sémillon Isidore Vineyard Parcel selection F5 is sourced from Sauzal, Maule Region. It presents a yellow color with a greenish sheen. The bouquet features notes of honey, herbs and linden blossom, with a subtle hint of pear. Dry, delicate and taut on the palate, this enticing white lingers with a vibrant core. It represents a perfect blend of dry-farmed old vines with the freshness of a pristine vintage.
2022 País Revival
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2034, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2022 País Revival hails from Cauquenes in the Maule Region. Its aroma presents notes of candy cotton and roses, alongside a cherry core. Dry and gently grippy, characteristic of traditional País, this light and fruity palate lingers with a refreshing core. It’s a savory, cleansing red.
2021 Cabernet Franc Las Pirque Vineyard – Lot 110
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2033, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Cabernet Franc Las Pirque Vineyard – Lot 110 hails from Pirque in the Maipo Valley. Aged for two years in used barrels, this garnet wine boasts notes of cigar ash, plum and maraschino cherry, complemented by a hint of mint. Dry, rich and moderately creamy, its fine-grained tannins and plush structure lead to a lingering savory finish—an enticing and intense expression of Cabernet Franc.
2021 Garnacha Bagual Vineyard – Lot 129
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2033, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Garnacha Bagual Vineyard – Lot 129 is sourced from Caliboro, Maule Region. It contains 3% Carignan. Aged for two years in used oak barrels, this purplish wine offers alluring aromas of cherry, herbs and boldo, with slight hints of marmalade and mint. Dry, juicy and nimble on the palate, its silky texture lingers with a faintly concentrated mouthfeel. The 2021 is a flavorful and bright red from Maule. Garnacha is emerging as an intriguing trend in Chile—this is a great effort.
2021 Cinsault Soothsayer Ferment Single Ferment Series
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2034, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 Cinsault Soothsayer Ferment Single Ferment Series originates from Secano Interior in Cauquenes, Maule. After a winter in used barrels, this garnet wine presents enticing watermelon, cherry and damp earth aromas, complemented by hints of pomegranate and herbs. Dry and delicate, its silky palate leaves a lasting impression with a refreshing and nimble flow. This is a flavorful and expressive wine.
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reelegido Vineyard – Lot 121
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2036, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reelegido Vineyard – Lot 121 hails from Isla de Maipo, Maipo Valley. It presents a dark garnet hue in the glass. Aged for two winters in oak barrels, it reveals notes of cassis, marmalade and mint, alongside the sun-kissed, ripe character typical of the 2020 vintage. Dry, rich and textured on the palate, its warm and overwhelming mouthfeel stands out as an anomaly within the Garage Wine Co. style. This is a savory red wine bearing the unmistakable imprint of the vintage
2023 País – Cariñena Phoenix Ferment Single Ferment Series
Rating: 92
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2030, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2023 País – Cariñena Phoenix Ferment Single Ferment Series is a rare gem in the wine world: a co-fermented white blend of Cariñena and País, sourced from the Maule Region. With tropical notes dominating the bouquet, it presents a mix of herbs, peaches and melon. Indulgent and rich, its taut, refreshing profile builds up to a nimble palate. This is a delightful summer sipper with a hint of sophistication.
2023 Rosé Pale Old Vine – Lot 123
Rating: 92
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2028, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2023 Old Vine Pale Rosé – Lot 123 blends 95% Cariñena with 5% Monastrell, sourced from Empedrado in the Maule Region. Pale cherry-red in color, the 2023 presents aromas of sour cherry and watermelon with a subtle herbal layer. Dry, delicate and refreshing, it reveals a vibrant fruit core that lingers—a delicious and easygoing Rosé.
2021 País 215 BC Ferment Single Ferment Series
Rating: 92
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2032, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The 2021 País 215 BC Ferment Single Ferment Series hails from El Secano Interior in Cauquenes, Maule Region. Garnet-hued in the glass, it reveals liqueur-like maraschino cherry and plum marmalade notes with a nuanced herbal layer. Dry on the palate, its fine-grained tannins and juicy flow create a rich and fairly compact mouthfeel. This is a lively País with an intriguingly untamed core.
NV Passageiro
Rating: 92
Drinking Window: 2024 – 2032, Joaquín Hidalgo, July 2024
The NV Passageiro, 100% Negramoll, originates from Cauquenes, in the Secano Interior of the Maule Region. Matured in used barrels for one winter, this wine presents aromas of aniseed and blackberry, accompanied by notes of dried flowers and herbs. Dry and silky, with fine-grained tannins, it leaves a lingering fruity finish.
Reviews 2023:
Garage Wine Co. was founded by Pilar Miranda and Derek Mossman, who were subsequently joined as partners by Alvaro Peña and Ernesto Muller. The winery explores and restores old vineyards in Maule. The team has achieved extremely high standards using grapes from Cauquenes. Zauzal and Truquilemu, farmed on horseback, employing ancient techniques from a modern perspective. The wines are organized by fermentation series, parcels, cru and limited editions, and each reflects Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon form Cauquenes and Maipo are also quite distinctive. Producing their wine in a rented space in Caliboro, Garage Wine Co. is the kind of producer that is a pleasure to discover.
From: Chile: Thinking Outside The Box (Jun 2023) by Joaquín Hidalgo
Ratings:
- 97 points | Cariñena Cru Truiquilemu Vineyard 2020
- 96 points | Cariñena Garnacha Monastrel Sauzal Vineyard – Lot 115 2020
- 95 points | Cabernet Sauvignon Renacido Vineyard – Lot 114 2020
- 95 points | Cabernet Franc Las Higueras Vineyard – Lot 122 2020
- 95 points | Cariñena Truquilemu Vineyard – Lot 117-2020
- 95 points | Syrah Pereira Vineyard – Lot 118 – 2020
- 94 points | Semillón Field Craft 4 Isidore Vineyard 2021
- 94 points | Garnacha Bagual Vineyard – Lot 119 – 2020
- 94 points | CGM Bagual Vineyard 2020
- 94 points | Cabernet Franc Las Pirque Vineyard – Lot 110 – 2019
- 93 points | Rosé Cariñena – Monastrell Old Vine Pale Rosé – Lot 123 – 2022
- 93 points | Negra Mollar Passageiro Escondido 2021
- 93 points | Cabernet Sauvignon Reelegido Vineyard – Lot 111 – 2019
Cariñena Cru Truquilemu Vineyard 2020
Rating: 97 Release Price: $89 Joaquín Hidalgo, Color: Red March 2023 Drinking Window: 2026 – 2040
The 2020 Cariñena Truquilemu Vineyard contains a dash of 6% Syrah, both from Empedrado, Maule, and was aged for 2 winters in used French barrels. Purple in the glass. The sour cherry and caramel nose contains hints of dried owers over a bed of pomegranate jam. Dry and compact in the mouth, the polished, finely grained tannins are supported by a taut, juicy acidity, and throat-tickling feel. A mouthwatering, cleansing red with a long, nuanced finish.
Cariñena Garnacha Monastrel Sauzal Vineyard – Lot 115 2020
Rating: 96 Release Price: $39 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2025 – 2040
The 2020 Cariñena Garnacha Monsatrel Sauzal Vineyard – Lot 115 hails from Empedrado in the Maule Valley. It was aged for 2 winters in used French barrels. Bright purple in hue. The nose presents boldo and garrigue notes along with sour cherry and pomegranate over a bed of sun-kissed red fruit. Lean and taut in the mouth, the freshness and finely grained tannins marshal the palate to vibrant effect. A young, cleansing, energetic wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon Renacido Vineyard – Lot 114 2020
Rating: 95 Release Price: $39 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2025 – 2035
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Renacido Vineyard comes from Coronel de Maule, Cauquenes, in the Maule Region. It was aged for 2 winters in used barrels. The redcurrant-in ected nose also contains jammy blueberry and sweetbrier notes with touches of boldo, graphite and garrigue. Dry and juicy in the mouth, the fairly reactive tannins and full-bodied palate make for a somewhat tacky, structured red. A wine that demonstrates the importance of harvesting at just the right point in a warm year.
Cabernet Franc Las Higueras Vineyard – Lot 122 2020
Rating: 95 Release Price: $39 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2025 – 2040
The 2020 Cabernet Franc Las Higueras Vineyard – Lot 122 hails from Loncomilla in the Maule Valley. It was aged for 2 winters in used French oak barrels. The fruity nose features redcurrant and hints of ash, pepper and licorice against a liqueur-like, waxy backdrop. Dry and juicy in the mouth, the compact ow and taut feel make for a mild, young but structured red. With 12.8% alcohol, the sharp acidity keeps this long-lasting Cab Franc going. A Loire-influenced red.
Cariñena Truquilemu Vineyard – Lot 117-2020
Rating: 95 Release Price: $69 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2026 – 2035
The 2020 Cariñena Truquilemu Vineyard – Lot 117 has a dash of 3% Syrah, both from Empedrado, Maule, and spent 2 years in used French barrels. Purple in hue. The expressive nose presents cotton candy and sour cherry notes over a garrigue-like layer. Dry and juicy, the vibrant, finely grained tannins slightly shrink the palate to produce a long-lasting, savory red.
Syrah Pereira Vineyard – Lot 118 – 2020
Rating: 95 Release Price: $39 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2023 – 2040
The 2020 Syrah Pareira Vineyard – Lot 118 hails from Cauquenes, Maule, and was aged for two winters in used French barrels. Dark purple in hue. On the nose, it presents pepper and blackberry notes as well as bacon, rosemary and sweet spices. Silky and fairly taut, the finely grained tannins and light structure make for quite a lean ow before the layered, flavorful, languorous finish
Semillón Field Craft 4 Isidore Vineyard 2021
Rating: 94 Release Price: $59 Color: White Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2023 – 2031
The 2021 Sémillon Field Craft 4 Isadore Vineyard hails from Empedrado in the Maule Region. It was partially fermented with skins and aged for a winter in clay vats and old barrels. Golden in hue. The complex nose presents honey and acacia notes with hints of linden-blossom and caramel. Dry and silky in the mouth, the taut ow is compressed by the skin tannins to create a crisp but creamy character. Intense and refreshing, this is a rare, flavorful wine for aficionados.
Garnacha Bagual Vineyard – Lot 119 – 2020
Rating: 94 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2025 – 2035
The 2020 Garnacha Bagual Vineyard – Lot 119 from Maule was aged for 2 years in used French barrels. Garnet-red with a brick-dust sheen. The delicate nose presents hints of mint and sour cherry as well as dried owers against a balsamic backdrop. Intense and dry in the mouth, the grippy tannins and taut acidity lead into a liqueur-like, lingering finish.
CGM Bagual Vineyard – 2020
Rating: 94 Release Price: $42 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2023 – 2036
The 2020 Cariñena – Garnacha – Monastrell Bagual Vineyard – Lot 116 hails from Caliboro, Maule, and was aged for 2 winters in used barrels. Purple in hue. The intense nose presents notes of sweet and sour cherry and cotton candy over a mild layer of oak and red fruit jam. Dry, juicy and vibrant in the mouth. The nely grained, polished tannins and heightened acidity conspire to produce a throat-tickling feel. A lingering, fruity red.
Cabernet Franc Las Pirque Vineyard – Lot 110 – 2019
Rating: 94 Release Price: $39 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2023 – 2035
The 2019 Cabernet Franc Pirque Vineyard – Lot 110 from Pirque in the Maipo Valley was aged for 2 winters in used barrels. Garnet-red in hue. The precise, ripe nose offers blackcurrant and cherry notes along with ash and pepper. Dry and taut in the mouth, the fitted palate presents reactive tannins and mild acidity. Much leaner than your typical Maipo Cab Franc but with the same warm touch. A rewarding red.
Rosé Cariñena – Monastrell Old Vine Pale Rosé – Lot 123 – 2022
Rating: 93 Release Price: $33 Color: Rosé Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2026 – 2040
The 2022 Rosé Cariñena – Monastrell Old Vines Pale Rosé – Lot 123 is a 95-5% blend from Empedradro, Maule, aged in foudres, barrels and exi-tanks. An unusual wine in that it delivers more flavors than aromas. The nose o ers sweet cherry with a faint layer of herbs. In the mouth, meanwhile, it’s taut, refreshing and intense. Very young, malic and lively right now – a year or two in the bottle will certainly improve the texture.
Negra Mollar Passageiro Escondido 2021
Rating: 93 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2023 – 2035
The 2021 Negra Mollar El Pasageiro hails from Empedrado, Maule. It was partially fermented in whole bunches. The nose presents open sour cherry notes with hints of herbs from the stems. Lean with a silky feel in the mouth, the sculptural tannins make for a compact palate. A savory, long-lasting red.
Cabernet Sauvignon Reelegido Vineyard – Lot 111 – 2019
Rating: 93 Release Price: $39 Color: Red Joaquín Hidalgo, March 2023 Drinking Window: 2023 – 2035
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reelegido Vineyard – Lot 111 hails from Isla de Maipo and was aged for 2 winters. Dark garnet-red in the glass. The ripe, sun-kissed nose delivers blackcurrant and candied plum notes against a spicy, balsamic backdrop. Dry and taut in the mouth, the finely grained tannins and mild, juicy flow conspire for a structured, rewarding red. A long-lasting Cab packed with flavor.