Colchagua Valley, Chile. Lapostolle Apalta Vineyard “La Isla” (The Island) Block.
85% Carmenère; 15% Merlot.
We will remember the 2008 as a vintage with a very cold and dry winter. The spring was drier and flowering conditions were good but delayed approximately seven to ten days. The summer was hotter and drier with higher temperatures than normal, so we experienced a very sudden veraison. These conditions lead to grapes which were deeply colored and richly flavoured. During the harvest, conditions were good, and as phenolic maturity was perfect it was not necessary to wait too long for harvest and it was completed before the end of April and, most importantly, before the first rain. The wines therefore have good balance and an especially deep rich color, with elegant tannins.
Carmenère is a variety that can be expressive, with deep color and soft tannins. Our Carmenère has an abundance of sweet spices and is picked at the perfect ripeness. This produces a wine with a sparkling freshness; unique to this variety. In order to produce such a wine, we watch carefully the grape’s maturity in the vineyard, and strive for the right balance. We maintain a strict quality control in the winery in order to ferment only the healthy grapes. Fermentation with wild yeast and a careful extraction follows. 20% of the wine is made in Our Clos Apalta winery, so fermentation there occurs in small wooden tanks. The oak is used very judiciously; always a blend of new and used French barrels in order to respect the fruit. The result is a very unique wine, with all the best that Carmenère from Chile and especially Apalta can offer.
Color: Deep dark purple red, very intense. Nose: Expressive nose, with spices, red and black fruit, some smoky tones, chocolate and herbal notes at the end.Palate: Smooth and well balanced tannins, with a good structure and a long finish. Service and Food Pairing: Ready to drink now or cellar for several years. Decant and serve at 16-18°C (60 to 65°F). Ideal companion for meats and elaborate dishes.
