A sip of this dense, tight red is like a ride deep into the forest of Patagonia.  A blend of 50% very old Carignan from dry-farmed vineyard near the town of Linares, 43% young Syrah from Curico and the rest Malbec and Merlot.  Eclat is pure black juice, wild with earthy tannins and blueberry and black cherry flavors.  Its acidity is vibrant and firm, its finish long and crisp.

Winemaker’s Notes
The bunches were destemmed, not crushed, and cold soaked for 48 hours before being inoculated with yeast.  Fermentation was in small stainless steel tubs for 7 days.  During fermentation the cap was hand plunged three times a day.  After alcoholic fermentation, there was post-fermentation maceration on skins for 14 days, before pressing.  The wine went directly to barrel, and underwent natural malolactic fermentation in barrel.

Vineyard’s Notes
Valdivieso’s rule for barrel aging is that the contribution of oak should complement and reinforce the characteristics of the fruit and never overwhelm it.  Ranked #6 of 100 top 2005-2006 wineries in the world – World Association Wine Writers & Journalists

Production Area
The fruit is all sourced from the Maule Valley.  Carignan is sourced from old (more than 50 years old) dry farmed head pruned vines in the Maule Valley.  These potent dense wine is balanced with the livelier fruitier Mourvedre and Syrah.  The sites are free draining sandy clay loams.  The vines were carefully managed, to obtain small concentrated berries.

91 Points Wine & Spirits

89 Points Wine Enthusiast

 Price:  $34.99

 Case Price:  $374.99

 *No additional discounts (while supplies last), 12 bottles or more