2013 Viñedo Chadwick

The 2013 Viñedo Chadwick came from a generally typical year in terms of climate, although March and April were cool, stretching out the Cabernet Sauvignon’s ripening period. The wine spent 22 months in 90% new French barrels. It’s garnet red in the glass. It has a nose of pyrazine, mint and red fruit over secondary aromas from the aging process which provide a well-judged frame. In the mouth, the tannins are firm with throat-tickling freshness and plenty of energy. The grippy flow is well-balanced and relaxed with a flavorful backdrop and ends with a lively, and lengthy, finish.

Deep, bright violet. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes black and blue fruit liqueur, incense, vanilla and pungent flowers, with a suave mineral overtone adding vivacity. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering expansive boysenberry and cherry compote flavors and a suggestion of candied rose. Densely packed yet lithe and precise, finishing with superb power and length and resonating mineral and floral notes.

Wow! Hadn’t realised how expensive this wine was… Deepest crimson shaded out to the rim already. Really interesting, complex, sophisticated nose. Very opulent but also very appetising. Well done! Doesn’t seem at all forced. Very ambitious pricing, but it certainly is a good wine. Tannins well handled so that you could just about contemplate drinking this wine already. (JR)