Purple Angel 2018

The winter of 2017 was characterized by plentiful rainfall, which exceeded 500 mm in the Colchagua Valley, making it the wettest year in the last decade. This meant we could count on there being sufficient water in the subsoil and in our reservoirs for the optimal development of the vines, at all phenological stages, right up to harvest. During the spring there was some frost but it did not cause any damage to our red varieties. Temperatures were cool until mid-November, causing a delay in budburst and flowering by a few weeks. Summer saw moderate temperatures, with average maximum temperatures in January of 82° F. February saw a marked decrease in night-time temperatures, which generally caused a delay in the maturation of red and white varieties, in some cases by up to 14 days compared to the previous year. There was no precipitation at all during the harvest months, so the grapes were extremely healthy, and showed good measurements of ripeness, and great varietal expression during fermentation.

Impressive deep purplish-red in color. The aromas are complex, with pronounced blackberry and ripe blueberry fruit. There is also dried plum, cooked cherry and candied fruit. The 18 months of aging in French oak gives a complex nose of toasted aromas, nuts, sweet spice, and touches of dairy and vanilla. On the palate, the flavors follow the aromas, with sensations of dark fruit and toast leading to a long finish that is finely balanced with good body and structure.

• Recognised as the best Chilean Carmenère, described as a “wine from another planet”
• Variety only reappeared in 1993, after it was thought to be extinct for 200 years