2017 Clos de Luz "Massal 1945" Malbec Rapel Valley

Professional Reviews

Staff Reviews

KW

Kirk Walker

Kirk Walker

Wow! that’s a Malbec! And from the other side of the Andes. Mixed red and dark fruits, floral and spicy. With just enough aromatic lift but great depth on the nose. There is a lot to this wine. More wow on the palate, as bright ripe fruits wash over the palate, with very easy tannins. With a little air the wine darkens; the dark berries, fruit blossom, and the spice and earth become a little more apparent. The wine is soft and concentrated, yet is fresh; has drive, but no edges. The tannins are very soft, and there is a touch of earth in the finish. Words fail to capture this Malbec. It is exceptional.

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.