Vintus

Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard, Aconcagua Valley

The Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard is made from grapes hand-picked in Errazuriz’ prestigious Don Maximiano Estate, located in the Aconcagua Valley, a semi-desert region where the hot summer days are cooled by afternoon breezes. The vines are planted on a 5° slope with gravely, sandy clay soils which drain very well. The high day-night temperature differences of the Don Maximiano Estate slows ripening and helps create intensity of flavors and concentration.  It is difficult to find a better quality Sauvignon from anywhere in the world at this price point.

• 2010 Vintage

  The grapes for the 2010 vintage were handpicked between the second week of April and the first week of May and transported to the winery in 14kg boxes. They were carefully inspected twice, then crushed and deposited into medium-sized stainless steel tanks, where they underwent a 24 hour pre-fermentation cold soak at 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Alcoholic fermentation followed at 75 degrees to 82 degrees Fahrenheit with three pumpovers daily. After fermentation was complete, the wine remained in contact with the skins for 19 to 38 days, depending on the development of each lot, to achieve optimum extraction of tannins and color. The final blend was aged for 12 months in 90% French and 10% American oak barrels, 20% of which were new.

  The Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 has a bright ruby color and an expressive nose that showcases fresh red fruit and a hint of mint, all nicely complemented by notes of dried fruit and a subtle touch of sweet spices. Light balsamic touches enhance the complexity even more. Velvety on the palate, this wine starts out friendly but firm, with fine tannins and flavors that reiterate the wine's aromatic profile of dominant fresh red and black fruit accompanied by hazelnuts and sweet spices. The wine's excellent acidity foretells its great cellaring potential.

  • "Vivid ruby. Sexy, expressive aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice pastille and mocha. Dense, lush and supple, with expansive dark fruit flavors enlivened by peppery spices and tangy acidity. Finishes long and spicy, with fine-grained tannins and a lingering note of cocoa powder."  90 Points International Wine Cellar

• 2009 Vintage

  • "Dark red. Pungent, smoke-accented aromas of raspberry, cherry and peppery spices. Then dry and light on its feet, showing energetic red fruit and spice flavors firmed by a tangy spine of acidity. The spicy finish features fine-grained tannins and very good clarity." 90 Points International Wine Cellar

• 2008 Vintage

  Chile’s winter of 2007 was one of the coldest and driest in the past 40 years and had various effects on the 2008 harvest. The moisture in the soil was significantly less than in previous years, which ultimately delayed harvest by approximately 10–14 days. The grapes were hand picked from the third week of April through the first week of May The grapes were hand-picked into small bins, given a 24-hour cold presoak fermented in stainless steel, and the wine then macerated for 12 to 30 days, depending on lots. The final blend was aged for 12 months in oak barrels (83% French, 17% American, 33% new).

   

  Bright ruby-red in color, this wine has a very expressive nose with a profile of fresh red and black fruits such as cassis, blackcurrant, coffee and cedar, along with sweet spice notes that heighten the blend. These aromas are complemented on the palate with a balsamic touch that lends additional complexity and fine, supple tannins lead to a very firm yet friendly wine. Fresh acidity brightens the flavors, prolongs the finish, and ensures that the wine will age very well for years to come.

  • "Dark, sultry and hard at first, but with airing comes a wave of cola, vanilla and black fruit notes that settle in the right way. The palate is healthy and balanced, and the flavors of cherry, currant, plum and tobacco are enticing and long." 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

• 2007 Vintage

  The 2007 season registered temperatures that corresponded quite closely to normal averages.  The most important decisions were made in March, when temperatures dropped in the third week and delayed the harvest. The grapes were hand-picked into small bins, fermented in stainless steel, and the wine then macerated for 12 – 30 days, depending on lots.  All lots were aged for 12 months in 45% new oak barrels (60% French and 40% American).  

  Bright ruby-red in color with an intense and attractive nose that features aromas of ripe red and black fruits with a balsamic, spicy edge.  The palate is juicy and well-balanced with tannins that are firm yet friendly.  The fruit is echoed on the palate where it melds  beautifully with spicy, chocolaty notes, and ends on a pleasingly balanced finish.

  • "Firm and condensed, but with the potential to unfold over the next three years. Cassis, tobacco, eucaplytus and dry berry aromas are classy and convincing; the palate is firm and defined by powerful cherry and cassis. Fold in toast and spice on the finish and you have a serious Cabernet Sauvignon that defines good value." 91 Points Wine Enthusiast

  • "Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, wet slate, and a light briary note. In the mouth it is beautifully smooth, with cherry, black cherry, and hints of cedar. A mocha note emerges on the finish. Very nice, super smooth faint tannins, and this gorgeous texture make this a really seamless wine that is incredibly easy to drink. My notes have the word WOW underlined three times. In the quantities that this wine is made, and for the price, the wine is utterly stupendous. Run, don't walk, to your nearest wine store and buy as much as you can." 9 to 9.5 / 10 Vinography

  • “Deep red. Pungent aromas of redcurrant, cherry pit, licorice, cedar and tobacco: this is textbook cabernet. Juicy and lively, with very good sweetness of fruit and noteworthy sappiness and clarity. Harmonious and gently spicy, finishing with sweet tannins and lingering smokiness.” 90 Points International Wine Cellar