Vik 2021

Deep plum colour, a clear smudge of grilled brambled fruits, blackberries and damson, tar, olives, confident and vivid, mint leaf freshness from the Cabernet Franc gives a lift and shot of floral-tinged freshness that is welcome with the gourmet cocoa-dusted tannins. From vines planted first in 2006, first vintage 2010. Christian Vallejo winemaker (had previously worked at both Ch Margaux and Ch Berliquet in Bordeaux). 90% of the wine is aged in ‘recycled’ barrels (meaning that they make the barrels onsite from Sylvain staves sourced in France, toasted locally in Chile, while the remaining 10% is aged in locally-sourced clay amphora made by a Chilean artisan. Native yeast fermentation, 2.65ph, 3.6/l residual sugar. Tasted twice. On the Place since 2023.

Intense graphite with fresh lavender, thyme, rosemary and blackcurrant notes. Hints of decadence. Iodine and mussel undertones. Full-bodied with superb intensity and silky tannins that grow on the palate, showing great length that goes on for minutes. Truly great depth. 77% cabernet franc and 23% cabernet sauvignon. Best ever. 4,800 cases made. This needs five to seven years to come together. Drink from 2029.