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APPELLATION:
Apalta Vineyards, Colchagua Valley.
GRAPE VARIETY:
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot.
HARVEST:
Hand-harvested beginning of April in small 12-15 kilos baskets. Coming from non irrigated 60 years old vines. The 2005-2006 season was with Spring quite normal but late summer emperatures were cooler and resulted in a growing season that was drier and colder than the past seven years. There was no rainfall during harvest; but due to the cooler temperatures throughout, the primary challenge of the 2006 vintage was the extended hang-time in order for each variety to reach proper phenolic maturity. This extension of the season conserved the fruit and allowed for good concentration with soft, well-rounded tannins. Cold nights at the beginning of April preserved the natural fruit acidity and lively expression. On the other hand, we were lucky that conditions remained stable and a dry autumn allowed us to wait patiently to harvest ripe fruits at the level of maturity we were looking for.
VINIFICATION:
• Strict quality control of the grape clusters using long sorting tables before and after the destemmer.
• Cold skin contact maceration for 5 days at 10°C.
• Must was fermented in stainless steel tanks 12 days at 26-28°C with native yeast, followed by a 2 weeks post-fermentation maceration.
• The wine was aged in French oak Bordeaux barrels for 10 months, 32 % new and one year old barrels and 68% second year used.
• Bottled in July 2007.
TASTING NOTES:
COLOUR: Deep ruby red with purple hints.
NOSE: Intense black fruit aromas, blackcurrant, and cassis combined with light touches of cider, tobacco and Herbs de Provence. Sweet spices return at the finish to add complexity.
MOUTH: Soft tannins with a fi rm body. Well balanced structure, good acidity and long finish.
SERVICE AND FOOD PAIRING: Ready to drink now or cellar for several years. Decant and serve at 16-18°. Ideal companion for meats and elaborate dishes.
Wine Spectator 90
Nicely focused, with a racy core of fig, hazelnut and pear notes that stays pure and elegant as the toasty edge remains in the background. The finish is long and juicy. Very stylish. Drink now through 2008. 8,000 cases imported. –JM
Smart Buy Dec 15, 2007 Issue
Apalta Vineyards, Colchagua Valley.
GRAPE VARIETY:
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot.
HARVEST:
Hand-harvested beginning of April in small 12-15 kilos baskets. Coming from non irrigated 60 years old vines. The 2005-2006 season was with Spring quite normal but late summer emperatures were cooler and resulted in a growing season that was drier and colder than the past seven years. There was no rainfall during harvest; but due to the cooler temperatures throughout, the primary challenge of the 2006 vintage was the extended hang-time in order for each variety to reach proper phenolic maturity. This extension of the season conserved the fruit and allowed for good concentration with soft, well-rounded tannins. Cold nights at the beginning of April preserved the natural fruit acidity and lively expression. On the other hand, we were lucky that conditions remained stable and a dry autumn allowed us to wait patiently to harvest ripe fruits at the level of maturity we were looking for.
VINIFICATION:
• Strict quality control of the grape clusters using long sorting tables before and after the destemmer.
• Cold skin contact maceration for 5 days at 10°C.
• Must was fermented in stainless steel tanks 12 days at 26-28°C with native yeast, followed by a 2 weeks post-fermentation maceration.
• The wine was aged in French oak Bordeaux barrels for 10 months, 32 % new and one year old barrels and 68% second year used.
• Bottled in July 2007.
TASTING NOTES:
COLOUR: Deep ruby red with purple hints.
NOSE: Intense black fruit aromas, blackcurrant, and cassis combined with light touches of cider, tobacco and Herbs de Provence. Sweet spices return at the finish to add complexity.
MOUTH: Soft tannins with a fi rm body. Well balanced structure, good acidity and long finish.
SERVICE AND FOOD PAIRING: Ready to drink now or cellar for several years. Decant and serve at 16-18°. Ideal companion for meats and elaborate dishes.
Wine Spectator 90
Nicely focused, with a racy core of fig, hazelnut and pear notes that stays pure and elegant as the toasty edge remains in the background. The finish is long and juicy. Very stylish. Drink now through 2008. 8,000 cases imported. –JM
Smart Buy Dec 15, 2007 Issue