Mike Tipping puts some Chilean wines to the test.

Errazuriz...sounds like a character from a Dickens novel, or an alien in Dr Who, or even a cult film from David Lynch.

It is in fact a Chilean wine producer, with something of a reputation to uphold. I've put five Errazuriz wines to the Tipping's Tipples test, one white and four reds.

The white is the only one of the five from Chile's Casablanca Valley. The Casablanca Valley has a nicer ring to it than the Aconcagua region from where the other wines hail, so "Here's looking at you, kid".

Errazuriz Unoaked Chardonnay 2004 would go down well with those who don't care for woody whites. It gains a little extra complexity from being aged sur lie (left with the sediment and grape skins etc.) in stainless steel, forsaking any contact with oak.

Casablanca Valley is the coolest of the wine regions in Chile. This chardonnay has cool climate characteristics with aromatic floral fragrances and delicate flavours of honey, lemon plus plenty of acidity too.

The red wines are all from the Aconcagua region where Errazuriz has its base. It's the most northerly of Chile's wine regions.

I'm impressed by Errazuriz Sangiovese 2003. It is medium bodied but with gutsy cherry and redcurrant flavours. Seasoned well with fiery spices, vanilla and vibrant tannins, it also manages to be exceptionally smooth.

Another fully-charged red is Errazuriz Carmenere 2003, which is prickly but soft at the same time. Wood smoke, red peppers and raspberry flavours combine on the palate.

I was eagerly anticipating Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, it's one of my favourite grape varieties. Although this example is good, I've tasted better for less money from Chile. This one is inky and rich with cassis aromas, plums, raspberries and a little mint.

Finally a wine to warm you on these cool, early Spring nights. Errazuriz Merlot 2003 is very juicy with ripe berry fruit, brambles, a sprinkling of spice and round tannins.

Errazuriz Unoaked Chardonnay 2004, £5.99 at Thresher. 15/20

Errazuriz Sangiovese 2003, £5.99 from www.everywine.co.uk 17/20

Errazuriz Carmenere 2003, £5.99 from www.everywine.co.uk 16/20

Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, £5.99 at Waitrose, Somerfield, Asda, Oddbins and www.everywine.co.uk 14/20

Errazuriz Merlot 2003, £5.99 at Sainsbury's, Tesco, Oddbins, Thresher and www.everywine.co.uk 16/20

Updated: 08:38 Saturday, April 16, 2005