Vintage Report

APPELATION

Apalta Valley, Colchagua, Chile.

BLEND

43% Carmenere, 30% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot.

HARVEST AND CONDITIONS OF THE YEAR

The 2005-2006 season was quite normal but late summer temperatures were cooler and resulted in a growing season that was drier and colder than the past seven years. There was no rainfall during harvest; but due to the cooler temperatures throughout, the primary challenge of the 2006 vintage was the extended hang-time in order for each variety to reach proper phenolic maturity. This extension of the season conserved the fruit and allowed for good concentration with soft, well-rounded tannins. Cold nights at the beginning of April preserved the natural fruit acidity and lively expression. On the other hand, we were lucky that conditions remained stable and a dry autumn allowed us to wait patiently to harvest ripe fruits at the level of maturity we were looking for.

VINIFICATION

100% of the grapes were hand de-stemmed. 100% of the wine was produced and bottled by gravity in our Clos Apalta Winery. Must was fermented at 28ºC by Wild Yeats in French Oak Vats of 75 hl for 10 days. Then post fermentation maceration followed depending on the variety up to 20 days. The wine was aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. Bottled the first week of April 2008.