2017 Clos de Luz "Arao" Red Blend Rapel Valley

Staff Reviews

KW

Kirk Walker

Kirk Walker

This wine is perfectly K&L. This is a perfect combination of clean new world fruit with the elegant structure of classic Bordeaux, and it is a terrific bargain. Now that gets said a lot, by a lot of producers in California but the wines always feel CA no matter how much they protest their old world structure. This wine feels like Bordeaux, it just doesn't smell or taste like it. What does this wine taste like? Not like you would expect Carmenre to smell and taste. It is bright and pure with higher tones dark red and dark berry tones. It has a pepperiness but it is not green bell pepper it is a subtle paprika tone. To balance that out there is a soft spice, hint fo cocoa and a whiff of coffee. The palate is clean and dry with soft tannins enough richness to give it some heft and clean finish. The wine is bright, poised, complex and elegant, a hard thing to accomplish at this price point. This speaks to so many people's favorites wines but is is a unique and delicious reinterpretation of those favorites.

SB

Scott Beckerley

Scott Beckerley

This new arrival is two things, a delicious and full Carmenere, and a stunning value. A very berryish nose with dark red fruits, cocoa and boysenberry. Starts fleshy, moves into brighter territory and finishes with a hint of white pepper. Very balanced and just plain yummy!

Notes

We are very excited to be offering wines from our newest direct import from Chile, Clos de Luz. Located in the Almahue Valley sub region of the Rapel Valley. Almahue Valley is located 70 miles Southeast of Santiago, 40 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 28 miles from the Andes Mountains. The Clos de Luz estate was first planted by the current owner's great grandfather in 1892, it now spreads over 33 hectares of vineyards planted in granitic soil with quartz components of volcanic origins. The oldest vines now date back to 1945 and were planted by their grandmother, Luz. They are some of the oldest Carménère vineyards in Chile, and probably in the world. The domaine’s vineyards are 100% ungrafted and massal selections. The vineyards are certified sustainable. The grapes are hand harvested, with strict fruit selection. The fruit is gently extracted then vinified and raised with minimal interventions. These wines are elegant with depth and complexity but most importantly they showcase the uniqueness of their special origin. The 2017 "Arao" is a blend of Carménère with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Syrah.