2013 Chadwick

The top of the range in reds is the 2013 Viñedo Chadwick, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto in Maipo, the classical zone for the grapes, as Aconcagua is too cold for it. They consider 2013 a 'classical' vintage in the appellation, and the grapes from their 15-hectare property at 650 meters altitude planted with a massale selection in 1992 were handpicked early in the morning and transported to the winery in Aconcagua in 12-kilo boxes. Fermentation took place at 24-28 degrees Celsius in small-volume stainless steel tanks with a total maceration time ranging from 23 to 40 days, depending on the lot. The wine was racked to French oak barrels, 90% of them new, where it underwent malolactic fermentation and was kept for 22 months. There are notes of red cherries intermixed with the more classical blackberries and tobacco leaves, spices and cigar box aromas; it is very subtle, layered and complex, even though the wine shows very young. The result is a fresher wine with moderate alcohol and the oak feels better integrated, even though it's still mostly new. Here the conditions of the vintage played in flavor of obtaining fresher, more balanced wines. There are the telltale Cabernet tannins, very polished and fine, but with grip; the texture is velvety, lifted by a fine thread of acidity.

This pure cabernet sauvignon shows wonderful subtle eucalyptus and black currant character. Cold stones and roses too. It's firm and linear with a full body, compacted tannins and a lightly chewy and tangy finish. A red with form and strength. Try in 2020. 800 cases made.