A nice surprise. I was expecting something decent and this was much better. Without food the alcohol comes through but besides that the blueberry, leather, and earthy flavors are delicious. This is very full and acidic.
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Decanted for 2 hrs, melted the tannins and showed some harmony in the glass. Close to the end of its drinking window IMO, but if I can choose I'd have drunk all the bottles I had at this stage - somehow charming and more elegant than the younger versions of it.
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As "sophiesmom" notes, "Let it breathe, let it breathe, let it breathe...", I decanted it for 4 hrs, and a bright fruit with very well managed solid body, still a bit aggressive but in a good way. This one will outperform most of the 12-13 Eur rivals, it will not change your world but in the condition the wine is at the moment with 6+ years of age and this price tag - it is job well done.
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A 50/50 blend of Cab and Malbec. At first, the Cab (along with the oak) is a little obtrusive. But, after an hour or so, the wine is well integrated, sumptuous, and well balanced. Nice dark fruit flavors, very nice savory components at mid-palate, and tasty long finish.
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Dark ruby color. Cherry, vanilla oak, and blossoms on the nose. Lots of dark chocolate and tobacco make for an intense palate that can be enjoyed out of the bottle or mitigated with a couple hours in the decanter. Tobacco finish lingers with nice acidity. An hour or more in the decanter recommended to tame this "Mendocino vigoroso."
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deep dark ruby, but french style nose with sour cherry notes. took a while to open but it really was much softer and more approachable after an hour. Strong tannins, but not overpowering, warm spicy and lingering finish. worked perfectly with Easter grilled lamb.
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PnP. Clear, dark purple color. Nice Bord/Cab nose. Med body, very proper flavor profile, would not have guessed an Argentina Cab/Malbec. Some chalk/tannins, fairly long finish. Clean. Great value everyday drinker. Nothing off. $16.
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Malbec lends dark color. This remains an impressive Bordeaux-style (albeit from a ripe year) wine for the price, not much different from 2 years ago, and will give another 2.
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Dark garnet color. Showy nose of black fruit, tobacco, and spice/oak. Flavor very well balanced between fruit, tannins, and refreshing acidity. Much character showing mid-palate all the way to a long finish, expressing tobacco and leather on architectural tannins. This wine pairs perfectly with grilled steak, but is so delectable it can be enjoyed straight up. Followed up by ordering a case. One of the best values I’ve found.
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I was expecting somewhat more. Decanted for 60 minutes. Nice fruity taste, with a little heat. Short finish. Overall, lacked the complexity and quality of other Chilean wines at this price point ($21).
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Popped and poured into decanter, and then my glass! Have to admit, was nicely surprised! A cherry cola nose with nice bite on the tongue and a good medium finish of fruit. Real nice, certainly wouldn't mind more!
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One of the few Chileans at this pricepoint that deserves this rating. It got better after a few months. It should definitely ressemble more bordeaux like in a year or two. Try this with lamb chops or steak next time.
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Nice nose. First taste reminded me of an unseasoned nice steak just off the grill. This was a better wine than I expected it to be. I was worried about grabbing a case but now glad that I did. Decant for an hour or so and enjoy.
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Opaque black/purple color; youthful aromas of dark plum with hints of chocolate and oaky vanilla cream. Concentrated palate of blueberry and cocoa, reminiscent of an Australian shiraz (made in an international style).
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Agree with Snarfus (below) that more was expected from this wine. For price, get Archaval or El Felino. A bit astringent, and while it's good there isn't much significant to say. Not sure this lasts for too much longer.
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I expected more of this wine. I enjoyed the fruit, but felt the taste came on quickly and left quickly. I bit too sharp and acidic. Generally agreeable and not overpowering. I reasonable accompaniment for our dinner of herb roasted chicken, but only because of its neutrality, not becuase of a tasteful match.
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Deep purple color. A bit of dried fruit and spice on the nose upon first pour but breathing softened the bouquet to more red fruit and some floral. The taste was spicy at first with hidden fruit but opened up quite nicely. Still quite tannic and will cellar well.
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A joint venture between Lafite-Rothschild and Nicolas Catena. The '08 Amancaya explodes from the glass with loads of fresh black currant, spicy oak and mocha aromas and flavors that are wrapped in big juicy mouthwatering tannins. This wine is ultra-silky and will drink well over the next 5 years. Anyone purchasing Napa Cab in the range of around $20 should seek this wine as an alternative. (Drink 2010-2016) - JD89
Paired this w/ filet but felt the tannin structure just could could not stand up to it and the wine got overpowered.
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Black purple in color. Some meaty elements to the mineral laced subtle black currant. Not very vibrant on the nose. Light entry of concentrated black fruit that is wrapped in juicy acids & very crisp tannins. Drank this with a grilled strip steak & the finish was more pleasant. Needs slightly fatty foods to shine.
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Took it to a party and remember it being decent, but a bit acidic and hot? Decanted, but didn't help much. Have one more bottle, want to try under better conditions.
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Dark slight opaque purple violet to thin magenta rim and medium-plus viscosity. Youthful aromas of black plum, vanilla-cream and chocolate with dried dragonfruit and five spice powder. Slight wet pottery clay aromas. dusty. Lush palate of blueberry and lingonberry with dark cocoa dust. Smooth tannins and light playful acids on tip of the tongue. Relatively simple and supple finish, an outstanding value at around $20.
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Very toasty on the nose with black currant & coconut. Rich entry that is lush & soft with flavors of black currants & toasty coconut on the finish. Well made in a rich style. Need to like American oak for this one.
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Deep purple-red color. Fruit driven wine, with appealing red and black cherry flavors, black currant and plums with a hint of vanilla and cedar. On the palate this has a nice tannic texture, round and well balanced. Notes of vanilla nad chocolate coming from the oak barrel. Very good, with med-long finish.
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Pretty impressive, especially for the price. Good structure, balance and length. Plenty of fruit. Fairly soft tannins and a touch of green, both as might be expected from a young Bordeaux.
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7/27/2019 - cweiss Likes this wine:
Very much in the Bordeaux style, riper year, and drinking well now.
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3/12/2017 - Wine_in_HD wrote: 92 Points
Surprisingly good. Complexity with layers of leather, chocolate, and dark fruit. Can't beat the price.
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6/28/2016 - JuliannaD wrote: 90 Points
A nice surprise. I was expecting something decent and this was much better. Without food the alcohol comes through but besides that the blueberry, leather, and earthy flavors are delicious. This is very full and acidic.
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6/14/2016 - cweiss wrote:
Dense, a little green pepper(not unlike a young Bordeaux), tannins remain but soft. Next bottle in 2-3 yrs.
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2/26/2015 - Ron Van Holland wrote: 92 Points
Dark ruby color. Intense earthy characteristics of tobacco, dark cacao, and leather. The best Amancaya vintage from my standpoint.
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2/2/2015 - Lyubomir Lefterov wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for 2 hrs, melted the tannins and showed some harmony in the glass. Close to the end of its drinking window IMO, but if I can choose I'd have drunk all the bottles I had at this stage - somehow charming and more elegant than the younger versions of it.
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9/29/2014 - Lyubomir Lefterov wrote: 89 Points
As "sophiesmom" notes, "Let it breathe, let it breathe, let it breathe...", I decanted it for 4 hrs, and a bright fruit with very well managed solid body, still a bit aggressive but in a good way. This one will outperform most of the 12-13 Eur rivals, it will not change your world but in the condition the wine is at the moment with 6+ years of age and this price tag - it is job well done.
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5/3/2014 - Eric Anderson Likes this wine: 89 Points
A 50/50 blend of Cab and Malbec. At first, the Cab (along with the oak) is a little obtrusive. But, after an hour or so, the wine is well integrated, sumptuous, and well balanced. Nice dark fruit flavors, very nice savory components at mid-palate, and tasty long finish.
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10/1/2013 - sophiesmom Likes this wine: 92 Points
Let it breathe, let it breathe, let it breathe...
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7/4/2013 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Almost at the end of our case. This has been a consistent performer. Smooth dark fruit drinking well with and without food.
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6/9/2013 - Ron Van Holland wrote: 91 Points
Dark ruby color. Cherry, vanilla oak, and blossoms on the nose. Lots of dark chocolate and tobacco make for an intense palate that can be enjoyed out of the bottle or mitigated with a couple hours in the decanter. Tobacco finish lingers with nice acidity. An hour or more in the decanter recommended to tame this "Mendocino vigoroso."
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4/25/2013 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still a favorite in this houshold.
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4/1/2013 - BaylinBoy wrote: 90 Points
deep dark ruby, but french style nose with sour cherry notes. took a while to open but it really was much softer and more approachable after an hour. Strong tannins, but not overpowering, warm spicy and lingering finish. worked perfectly with Easter grilled lamb.
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3/25/2013 - Barry Notes Likes this wine: 88 Points
PnP. Clear, dark purple color. Nice Bord/Cab nose. Med body, very proper flavor profile, would not have guessed an Argentina Cab/Malbec. Some chalk/tannins, fairly long finish. Clean. Great value everyday drinker. Nothing off. $16.
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2/17/2013 - Lyubomir Lefterov wrote: 88 Points
Very dark in color, got some black fruits action, the tannins suggesting couple of years still to go, medium tight body and decent finish.
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12/8/2012 - cweiss wrote:
Malbec lends dark color. This remains an impressive Bordeaux-style (albeit from a ripe year) wine for the price, not much different from 2 years ago, and will give another 2.
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6/6/2012 - Ron Van Holland wrote: 92 Points
Dark garnet color. Showy nose of black fruit, tobacco, and spice/oak. Flavor very well balanced between fruit, tannins, and refreshing acidity. Much character showing mid-palate all the way to a long finish, expressing tobacco and leather on architectural tannins. This wine pairs perfectly with grilled steak, but is so delectable it can be enjoyed straight up. Followed up by ordering a case. One of the best values I’ve found.
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5/21/2012 - mgribble94 wrote: 89 Points
Dark fruit on the nose, jammy on the palate. It's got a nice balance and a surprising finish for the price. I would buy more of this.
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4/28/2012 - Grumbling_Goat wrote: 84 Points
I was expecting somewhat more. Decanted for 60 minutes. Nice fruity taste, with a little heat. Short finish. Overall, lacked the complexity and quality of other Chilean wines at this price point ($21).
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2/27/2012 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
Always a great bottle. Wish that I had more.
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2/8/2012 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
I am drinking this stuff too fast. A great QPR!
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2/3/2012 - W2WineGuy Likes this wine: 88 Points
Popped and poured into decanter, and then my glass! Have to admit, was nicely surprised! A cherry cola nose with nice bite on the tongue and a good medium finish of fruit. Real nice, certainly wouldn't mind more!
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1/23/2012 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
Consistant and maybe even improving. Fruit is lush and the finish is smoothing out a bit.
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1/19/2012 - winepog wrote: 89 Points
Great QPR, finish died out after a while, but for the price this was nice....dark fruits
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1/10/2012 - guman wrote: 90 Points
- Garnet color and aromas of blackberry. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Polished texture with a short finish.
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10/28/2011 - dlheath wrote:
Very nice. Drinking well now. Good fruit and acid, a pleasant weekday bottle.
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10/27/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
Nice dark fruit. Short finish with a bit of spice. We finished the bottle!!
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10/4/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
Well liked by all. Chocolate with some dark fruit showing through.
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9/20/2011 - Aldi wrote: 84 Points
Much better after two days of opening.
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6/18/2011 - markcic wrote: 90 Points
Very surprising - after an hour in the decanter - it opened to chocolate and tobaaco flavors with a really nice finish.
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6/3/2011 - tigerpaw75 wrote: 86 Points
Decent to good, although better wines to be had for $11-12
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5/10/2011 - Alexanderdalforno wrote: 92 Points
Baunilha!!
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5/9/2011 - DoubleMagnum wrote: 90 Points
One of the few Chileans at this pricepoint that deserves this rating. It got better after a few months. It should definitely ressemble more bordeaux like in a year or two. Try this with lamb chops or steak next time.
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4/8/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
Very Consistant.
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4/3/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
Paired nicely with Baked Chicken and Potatos.
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4/2/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 90 Points
Nice nose. First taste reminded me of an unseasoned nice steak just off the grill. This was a better wine than I expected it to be. I was worried about grabbing a case but now glad that I did. Decant for an hour or so and enjoy.
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3/27/2011 - orlypann wrote: 86 Points
Also disappointed by this Argentinian blend. Constant on the palate with limited complex notes. Also noted its astringency and lack of finish.
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2/23/2011 - pgb67 wrote: 89 Points
Opaque black/purple color; youthful aromas of dark plum with hints of chocolate and oaky vanilla cream. Concentrated palate of blueberry and cocoa, reminiscent of an Australian shiraz (made in an international style).
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2/6/2011 - Quarked wrote:
No detailed notes, but very enjoyable, full-bodied wine. Will get again.
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2/3/2011 - 1512tnw wrote: 88 Points
Agree with Snarfus (below) that more was expected from this wine. For price, get Archaval or El Felino. A bit astringent, and while it's good there isn't much significant to say. Not sure this lasts for too much longer.
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1/12/2011 - Snarfus wrote: 86 Points
I expected more of this wine. I enjoyed the fruit, but felt the taste came on quickly and left quickly. I bit too sharp and acidic. Generally agreeable and not overpowering. I reasonable accompaniment for our dinner of herb roasted chicken, but only because of its neutrality, not becuase of a tasteful match.
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1/2/2011 - OmiyaDrinker wrote: 89 Points
Good solid wine for the prize. Slightly overoaked but in a pleasant way
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12/23/2010 - socidelvino Likes this wine: 85 Points
Deep purple color. A bit of dried fruit and spice on the nose upon first pour but breathing softened the bouquet to more red fruit and some floral. The taste was spicy at first with hidden fruit but opened up quite nicely. Still quite tannic and will cellar well.
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12/3/2010 - InternationalWineReport wrote: 89 Points
A joint venture between Lafite-Rothschild and Nicolas Catena. The '08 Amancaya explodes from the glass with loads of fresh black currant, spicy oak and mocha aromas and flavors that are wrapped in big juicy mouthwatering tannins. This wine is ultra-silky and will drink well over the next 5 years. Anyone purchasing Napa Cab in the range of around $20 should seek this wine as an alternative. (Drink 2010-2016) - JD89
Paired this w/ filet but felt the tannin structure just could could not stand up to it and the wine got overpowered.
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11/10/2010 - ed-d wrote: 87 Points
Black purple in color. Some meaty elements to the mineral laced subtle black currant. Not very vibrant on the nose. Light entry of concentrated black fruit that is wrapped in juicy acids & very crisp tannins. Drank this with a grilled strip steak & the finish was more pleasant. Needs slightly fatty foods to shine.
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9/19/2010 - CabIsKing wrote: 89 Points
Big nose of dark fruits, cedar and vanilla. Nice and smooth in the mouth with a nice finish. Not bad for the price.
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9/10/2010 - tigerpaw75 wrote: 86 Points
Took it to a party and remember it being decent, but a bit acidic and hot? Decanted, but didn't help much. Have one more bottle, want to try under better conditions.
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9/7/2010 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 90 Points
Nice overall with oak, spice, cherry, cranberry and medium concentration. Nice wine overall and the oak should integrate with some cellaring.
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8/7/2010 - MadelinePuckette wrote: 91 Points
Dark slight opaque purple violet to thin magenta rim and medium-plus viscosity. Youthful aromas of black plum, vanilla-cream and chocolate with dried dragonfruit and five spice powder. Slight wet pottery clay aromas. dusty. Lush palate of blueberry and lingonberry with dark cocoa dust. Smooth tannins and light playful acids on tip of the tongue. Relatively simple and supple finish, an outstanding value at around $20.
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7/9/2010 - ed-d wrote: 87 Points
Very toasty on the nose with black currant & coconut. Rich entry that is lush & soft with flavors of black currants & toasty coconut on the finish. Well made in a rich style. Need to like American oak for this one.
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5/16/2010 - Trblmkr Likes this wine:
Deep purple-red color. Fruit driven wine, with appealing red and black cherry flavors, black currant and plums with a hint of vanilla and cedar. On the palate this has a nice tannic texture, round and well balanced. Notes of vanilla nad chocolate coming from the oak barrel. Very good, with med-long finish.
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5/14/2010 - The Wilbers wrote: 89 Points
Tried it at a wine tasting pleasantly surprised
The body is Medium/Full.
The wine is textured Smooth.
The wine finishes Medium.
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4/23/2010 - DoubleMagnum wrote: 90 Points
Excellent Bordeaux style wine. Deep dark, high extract and concentration. It was even better the second day. Lay it down for a year or two.
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4/16/2010 - thejamer Likes this wine:
Too pricey at $35.
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3/20/2010 - cweiss wrote:
Pretty impressive, especially for the price. Good structure, balance and length. Plenty of fruit. Fairly soft tannins and a touch of green, both as might be expected from a young Bordeaux.
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3/13/2010 - Judicarmona wrote: 90 Points
Very good for 14.99
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