VINEYARDS
VARIETIES
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petit Verdot, 15% Carmenere
DENOMINATION OF ORIGIN
Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley
SOIL
Granitic Clay soils.
HARVEST
2015 was a dry, rainless year in Colchagua, with normal temperatures followed by a hot summer. It was a classic Apalta vintage yielding ripe fruit with good concentration. The wines showed ripeness of fruit and very good concentration whilst retaining good acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested between the 14th and 17th April. Petit Verdot followed on the 22nd April and finally Carmenere on the 29th and 30th April. The harvest was done manually into 10 kg boxes.
VINIFICATION
FERMENTATION
Traditional fermentation was done in small, 3-tonne tanks at 24–28 °C with 2 to 3 remontages per day, followed by a long post-maceration of at least 2 weeks.
AGEING
18 months in extra-fine grain French oak barrels, 50% new, 25% one year-old and 25% second use.
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcool: 14.5% vol.; pH: 3.57; Tartaric Acid: 5.8 g/L; Residual Sugar: 3.2 g/L.
AGEING POTENTIAL
Up to 10 years in ideal cellaring conditions.
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR
Dark ruby red.
NOSE
Aromas of red fruits like cassis mixing with peppery and earthy notes. Great complexity in the bouquet.
PALATE
A structured, full bodied wine with firm, structured tannins, balanced acidity and great complexity. A great wine for long-term ageing.
PAIRINGS
We recommend serving at between 16–18 °C. Goes well with chargrilled steak, barbecued ribs or lamb chops brushed with spiced barbecue sauces or well matured hard cheeses or sheep’s cheeses.