2017 Clos de Luz "Massal 1945" Cabernet Sauvignon Rapel Valley (last of vintage)

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KW

Kirk Walker

Kirk Walker

Elegant,concentrated, and aromatic. What a Cabernet! This has new world ripe fruit ands the aromatic complexity, depth and focus of a Bordeaux at twice, if not more, the price. Full bodied with good intensity and very polished tannins. There is aromatic lift but it all gets pulled into its concentrated core of ripe fruit in just a hint of tobacco & earth both of which are background accents. It is a fun mix of berries & red fruits with mouth-watering acidity but it is miles away from being tart. This wire is so good that it makes me stop and try to understand how it was made. Berries, earth, tobacco minerality with just a hint of that Chilean mountain herb/scrub play out on the finish. There is a lot happening here. This is one of the best Cabernets in store, especially for the money.

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 owners 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 wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of varying ages. A small percent of the wine is aged in new 400-liter Sylvain French oak barrels. Tasting Notes: flowers and attractive influence to cedar delivers great appeal to wine. The palate has a bold, juicy and succulent feeling.