Vintage Report

APPELLATION

Apalta Valley, Colchagua, Chile.

BLEND

80% Merlot-Carmenere and 20% Cabernet. Sourced from our very best lots of old vine fruit.

HARVEST

From April 2nd to April 12th 2001. The crop was hand picked in small baskets to avoid bruising, with further hand sorting performed to remove leaves and unripe fruit.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Following the winter rains in 2000, the growing season (from October 2000 to March 2001) was marked by very dry and warm climatic conditions, particularly in January-February. With adequate water in the soils and generous sunshine, our non-irrigated Apalta vineyards slowly entered into progressive stress levels, achieving optimal fruit ripeness as April arrived. Under these notably dry conditions, the yields produced in 2001, were naturally low with 20hl/ha (1.25 tons/acre) on Cabernet Sauvignon, and 38hl/ha (2.4 tons/acre) on Merlot and Carmenere. These conditions contributed to produce a Clos Apalta of exceptional concentration, complexity and character. This is a classic wine that is worthy of proper cellaring.

VINIFICATION

The must was fermented 15 days with native yeasts, followed by 16-18 days of postfermentation maceration. Fermentation temperature was between 26-28°C (78-82°F). All the wine was aged 22 months in new French oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. Bottled in March 2003.