Best of Show

Porta, Select Reserve Pinot Noir Bio Bio Valley 2003 ($14) -- Chile. At a recent tasting of six Chilean wines organized by the winery rep, this was my favorite, although the Chardonnay was very popular and reminiscent of a California Chard. I don't think I have ever had a Pinot from Chile, but it was elegant and full-bodied, more in a French style. I am told that the Bio Bio Valley is relatively new in producing wines, but I am looking forward to tasting more. And the winery rep, whose fiancé is the winemaker for the Pinot, says there are better wines to come. I can't wait.