Errazuriz The Blend

Wine information: Errazuriz Estate was founded in 1870 when Don Maximiano Errazuriz planted his first vineyards at Panquehue in the Aconcagua Valley - 100km North of the capital. Today, the tradition of quality lives on with Don Maximiano's descendant Eduardo Chadwick. Eduardo is the fifth generation of his family to be involved in the wine business. Errazuriz's philosophy is best expressed by Don Maximiano who said, "From the best land, the best wine." The different grape varieties used to craft the 2007 Blend are sourced from specific parcels from Errazuriz's Max and Ocoa Vineyards in the Valle de Aconcagua. It is a blend of 45% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Franc, 20% Carmenère and 5% Roussanne. The vineyards are densely planted, drip irrigated, and vertical shoot positioned to allow longer solar exposure throughout the season and encourage the development of high quality fruit. Intensive canopy management includes cane or spur pruning depending on the block, leaf plucking, and other techniques that ensure an excellent ratio between leaf surface area and crop load. The final blend was 100% barrel aged in new oak, 70% French and 30% American, for 16 months. This version of The Blend has larger percentage of Syrah than some of the previous, which lends soft tannins and meaty flavours. The Cabernet Franc provides tannins for structure, while the Carmenère adds sweet, well-rounded tannins, fruit-driven intensity, and complexity through its spicy notes of black pepper and cloves. The Roussanne contributes nerve due to its acidity and complexity on the nose with some floral notes. The sum of these different features results in a complex and elegant wine, suitable for drinking now, but that has long aging potential.

Tasting Notes: Errazuriz The Blend is a gorgeous cherry-red colour, with a nose that spotlights abundant fresh red fruit aromas with a light touch of spice. The palate confirms what the nose perceived, as the fresh fruit intermingles with the notes of black pepper, cedar, and chocolate, complemented by just a hint of a floral touch. Firm tannins and lively acidity make this a wine with great structure, plenty of nerve, and tremendous persistence, all of which bode well for a long life in the bottle.

 
     

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