Santa Rita Triple C Chile ' Cabernet & Blends Cabernet & Blends 2004

Winemaker's Notes:

Triple C 2004 Winemaker's comments : This outstanding wine has an intense, rich ruby red color. Its well developed bouquet is a rich combination of ripe, black fruits, blackcurrant and the mineral nuances associated to cinnamon and spice notes with delicate undertones of vanilla, tobacco and chocolate. Elegant and well structured, this wine has an excellent backbone causing the wine to linger on the palate. Wonderful persistence. Winemaker : Andrés Ilabaca Variety: 55% Cabernet Franc 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Carménère Region : Maipo Valley Vinification : Cabernet Franc Located in Alto Jahuel, this vineyard has been planted on colluvial loam soil that is 0,8-1,0 m deep, with a gravelly subsoil that provides excellent drainage. The harvest was carried out during the first days in April. Cabernet Sauvignon The vineyard is located on the same property, very close to Cabernet Franc. Its management is very similar however, its yield is less than 5,500 kg/ha and the hydric stress condition is more severe in order to obtain good ripening. The harvest is performed during the first two weeks of April. Carménère 60 year old vineyards are located on a southern slope halfway up the Apalta valley hills. These vineyards are planted at 5,500 plants/ha. without irrigation, where water is obtained only through the winter rains (700 mm/year mean) and the natural water basin. Poor, granitic soils ensure excellent rainwater drainage, which in turn facilitates vigor control and proper fruit production. Technical Details : pH: 3.54 acidity: 5,64 g/l alcohol: 14,5% residual sugar: 2,40 Ageing Potential : 100% of this wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 17 months on average. After the second draining, the blend was defined