Vintage Report

APPELLATION

Apalta Valley, Colchagua, Chile.

BLEND

84% Carmenere-Merlot and 16% Cabernet. From non-irrigated, 60 years old vines.

HARVEST

Hand-harvested beginning the first week of April, in small baskets of 13-15 kg.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Overall, the 2003-2004 growing season was highlighted by conditions that were very dry in winter and very hot in summer. This led us to expect an unusually early harvest. Precocious development observed at the early stages of growth slowly decreased however, as March and April were marked by a few scattered rains. These small showers had a beneficial and refreshing effect after the very high summer temperatures. As confirmed in actual tasting of the berries by our staff, a much different pattern had now developed, advising us to await a more suitable phenolic ripeness. Harvest finally took place at about the usual time.

VINIFICATION

44% of the wine was hand de-stemmed. The must was fermented 12 days at 28°C followed by a 15 day post-fermentation maceration. The wine was aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels: 70% new and 30% 2nd fill, unfined and unfiltered. Bottled in February 2006, 5,250 cases were produced.