Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Description
2008 was a record-breaking year in Colchagua Valley. Although budding was initially delayed due to a long, cold winter, the summer months sustained unusually high temperatures that concentrated the fruit on the vine. Dry, drought-like conditions required irrigation to begin earlier than normal which encouraged small, thick-skinned grapes with intense flavors and a deep rich color. At night, the cool ocean breeze enhanced the acidity and sugars of the fruit and imparted a natural balance to the wine. The confluence of these extreme conditions resulted in some of the best wine to date.
Acclaim
Vineyard & Production Info
Vineyard name
Colchagua Valley, Chile
Soil composition
Steep, rocky slopes made up of sand over clay: soils of volcanic origin
Training method
VSP Trellis system; bilateral coron training
Elevation:
500 feet feet
Vines/acre:
1080-1350
Exposure:
North-South
Harvest time:
April
First vintage of this wine:
2003
Winemaking & Aging
Maceration length:
15-20
Varietal composition:
82% Cabernet Sauivgnon, 18% Syrah
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Fermentation temperature:
73.4-82.4 °F
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
50% American, 50% French oak
Size of aging container:
70% barrels of 225L and 30% stainless steel tanks of 30,000L
Type of oak:
American & French
Length of aging before bottling:
10 months in 50% American/50% French oak only 70% of the wine, 30% stainless steel
Analytical Data
pH level:
3.6
Acidity:
5.4 g/L
Alcohol:
14.2 %