An opulent wine with minted notes of blackberry and blackcurrant and a hint of mocha, juicy and balanced.

Producer Note

Perez Cruz is a family owned boutique winery located in the Alto Maipo. Their estate covers 250 hectares of vines planted in one of the most sought after areas for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon. This red wine specialist also produces small parcels of Syrah, Cot (Malbec), Carmenère and Petit Verdot. They also produce an elegant cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca. From the first vintage in 2002, Andres Perez Cruz has seen the estate's speciality red wine amass an impressive array of awards and gold medals. Their eco-friendly winery was built by award winning architect Jose Cruz Ovalle, to fulfil the technical objective of fine wine production. Its wooden roof and natural light allow thermal isolation and free air flow circulation, making it one of the most unique wineries in the world.

Vintage

2016 was characterised as being a relatively cold and rainy year. High levels of rainfall during the harvest period combined with low temperatures resulted in an intense harvest period with some varieties being harvested earlier than usual. The wines tend to have higher levels of natural acidity and nerve than in other years.

Vineyard

The grapes are sourced from low yielding vines from the Liguai Estate. Located in the Maipo Valley’s “Maipo-Andes” subregion, the vineyard is situated in the mountain foothills between 440 and 520 metres elevation. The Double Guyot trained vines are drip irrigated and grown in alluvial soils with low fertility. The harvest takes place manually, once the grapes have reached optimum maturity levels.

Winemaking

The grapes were handpicked and then carefully selected before being crushed into stainless steel tanks where fermentation lasted between seven to 10 days, followed by post fermentation maceration which lasted for seven to 14 days. The wine was racked into French oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation and was matured for 14 months.

Tasting Note

Vibrant notes of ripe black fruits, combine with earthy hints, nut, spice and fine herbal notes that are characteristic of Maipo Alto. Elegant and complex on the palate with supple tannins and a savoury finish.

Serving Suggestion

A highly versatile wine, great with spiced meats and curry dishes.

Grape

Carmenère 91%, Cabernet Sauvignon 9%