Reserve Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon Emiliana Vineyards 2005

Winemaker's Notes:

Tasting Notes: Our Carménère / Cabernet Reserve is a beautiful bright ruby red with black cherry and blueberry aromas layered over chocolate, vanilla, and mocha. The lush palate is velvety-smooth and offers flavors of chocolate, toffee, and vanilla richly combined with cherry and caramel. The soft, ripe tannins add structure and carry the delicate notes of smoke and licorice throughout the long finish. Percentage Grape: 85% CARMENERE 15% CABERNET SAUVIGNON Soil: Soils range from loam to clay-lime loam and are of medium depth with good drainage. The sub-humid Mediterranean climate is marked by seasonal rainfall concentrated in the winter. In the Rapel Valley, the trilogy of soil-climate-variety is in perfect harmony, which produces grapes with good color, soft tannins, and rich flavors. Growing Climate: The grapes were hand-picked at their peak of maturity in late April and early May 2004 to achieve rich, ripe, and persistent fruit on the palate. Date of Harvest: April - May 2004 Type of Harvest: HAND PICKED Vinification Method: Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were hand-inspected, and all leaves and other foreign matter were removed before the crush. A 7-day pre-fermentation cold soak at 5°C (41°F) increased the concentration and fruit flavors in the must. The alcoholic fermentation, followed by an extended period of skin contact, further defined the wine's character and concentration. Half of the wine was aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, and the rest remained in stainless tanks to preserve its concentrated, ripe fruit characteristics. The final blend brought these two components together for a wine that is complex, intense, elegant, and unforgettable, one that truly expresses the best of Colchagua Valley's Carménères. The wine was fined with egg albumin, gently filtered, bottled, and allowed to rest several months before distribution Alcohol Percentage: 14 % PH: 3.78 Sugar Rate: 0-5 g/l Total Acidity: 2.80 Free SO2: 0.018 Cork Material: NATURAL CORK