The 2010 Ocio Pinot Noir spent fourteen months in barrel and one month in stainless steel. In my opinion, it surpasses the previous two vintages. It has a fresh, nicely defined bouquet with maraschino cherry, cranberry and red currant aromas that have a Burgundy-like allure. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh, ripe tannins, light but crisp red fruit and a delineation focused finish that attests to a well-crafted Pinot Noir. This is very fine. Drink now-2017. I arrived at the Cono Sur winery on a damp, misty morning in Casablanca Valley. After a bit of small talk we mounted out “bicyclettes” to cycle round to the tasting room, the geese watching on with amusement (they were introduced as part of the organic viticulture to control insects.) As one of Chile’s most famous wineries established in 1993, like Concha y Toro, Cono Sur represents an introduction the country’s wines for Joe Public, and in many ways is one of its most important ambassadors. Sourcing fruit from a majority of its significant wine regions, Cono Sur has a large portfolio that covers nearly everyone’s tastes, from entry-level supermarket wines to their soon-to-be introduced “Icono” flagship. I was impressed by the consistency across the range and while there were no transcendental moments, there are good value wines, in particular with respect to their whites. The Ocio Pinot Noir from Cono Sur is picked by hand, sorted and the best bunches are de-stalked and then whole berry fermented with a one week carbonic maceration. The best barrels go into Ocio and the others into the “20 Barrels” range.