Elqui Carmenere – Syrah – Malbec

52% Syrah, 73% Carmenere, 11% Malbec

Syrah fruit from the cool climate Maiten Vineyard keeps things elegant. It is a rocky, sandy, ancient riverbed sitting 25 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.

Most of the Carmenere component in this wine comes from the nearly impossible to farm El Tambo Vineyard which is one of the more intense vineyard sites you’ll fine in Chile. Carmenere grapes in El Tambo are harvested in mid-June and are literally the last wine grapes harvested in all of Chile, picked after all of the leaves have fallen to the ground. Steffan calls this his favorite site fro Carmenere Chile and he feels lucky to own it.

Most of the Malbec in the blend comes from the stunningly beautiful Peralillo Vineyard, which sits on a moderate slope just below the tallest mountain in the region. These own rooted vines were massal selections from a now retired farmer Steffan met in Maipo some years back. This warm site brings a ripeness and a floral component that you just don’t see from other sites planted to Malbec in Chile.

Fresh with a substantial nose offering plenty of dark fruits, some currant and a minty almost hint of menthol. Young, juicy and vibrant with loads of suave tannin, earthy elements and elegant minerals, building into a smooth lingering finish. A red blend to enjoy on the off but MOSTLY ON!