Wine lovers and friends of Chile came out in full support on Saturday evening at Bin 26 Wine Bar. Ten Chilean wines, five reds, five whites were provided by the five major importers of wines & spirits. Special thanks to Betco for the Unduragga Wines, CPJ for the Concho y Toro wines, Lascelles Wines and Spirits for the Castillo de Molina, Ramsons for the Santa Carolina wines, and Wray and Nephew for the Vina Maipo Wines. Chilean Ambassador Alfredo Garcia was very happy with the turnout of way over 100 persons who came to taste the great wines from his country and to lend a supporting hand. Here are a few highlights of the evening.

Major Wine Event in Montego Bay

As we are on the topic of benefit events, the Rotary Club of Montego Bay will be hosting their annual wine-tasting event dubbed “Wine 10”. This is the premier wine-tasting event in Montego Bay. It will take place on Saturday, 20th March 2010, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Shoppes At Rose Hall. The proceeds of this event will go towards the upgrading of the Neo-Natal and paediatric unit at Cornwall Regional Hospital.

This is the only event in Montego Bay to offer a wide variety of tastings as not only will there be an abundance of different wines to taste this year, equal emphasis has been given to food tastings. If you happen to be in the western part of Jamaica this weekend, do check this out.

Cheers! Do give to a charity of your choice today, no matter how small.

Chris Reckord is an independent wine consultant who operates DeVine Wine Services with his wife Kerri-Anne. Chris & Kerri are also part owners of Jamaica’s first and only wine-only bar -Bin 26 Wine Bar. Please send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com . Follow us on twitter.com/DeVineWines

What I am drinking this week: Montes Alpha Syrah 2007

Big, powerful, well-structured, full-bodied in need of a decanter to allow it to spread its wings is how I describe this fantastic wine. It is a blend of 90 per cent Syrah, 7 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 per cent Viognier.

The up-front nose is fruity, black cherries, hints of strawberries, and all well combined with a smoky spiciness that adds elegance and complexity. The 7 per cent of Cabernet Sauvignon is adding structure and hints of cassis and berries while the 3 per cent of Viognier adds a nice and delicate floral touch. The oak is well assembled and combined with this strong, soft, velvety wine. The Wine Advocate says “..this classy Syrah will profit from 2-3 years of cellaring and offer prime drinking 2011 to 2019”.