Country Chile Region  Maipo Valley Grape  80% Cabernet Sauvignon  20% Carmenère Alcohol 15% Closure Cork Producer The magnificent Haras de Pirque estate occupies a privileged position at the foot of the Andes, in Chiles Maipo Valley region. The lovingly tended vineyards are on largely north-facing slopes, from the middle of which rises a unique horseshoe-shaped gravity-flow winery, inspired by the estates other claim to fame: as an internationally renowned thoroughbred breeding farm. The wines are a collaboration between the Matte family, who own the estate, and Antinori; they thus benefit from a synthesis of input from top Chilean winemakers and Antinoris own Renzo Cotarella. Vineyard The grapes come entirely from the estate vineyards surrounding the winery, where vine varieties are matched to each individual plot to maximize the quality of the raw material. The parcels were individually hand-harvested from the lowest-yielding parts of the vineyard. Winery Small-lot winemakeing were used to reveal the unique characteristics of this hillside vineyard. After a light crushing, the grapes went through a heat exchanger for ten days cold maceration. Each tank was managed independently to obtain a soft, elegant structure. Alcoholic fermentation was in French oak vats, made by Taransaud, for ten to twelve days. Hand pumping-over was performed and the total maceration period was thirty days. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and eighteen months ageing in new French oak barrels. Taste Elegant palate with fruit tea flavours and layers of balsamic notes, dark chocolate and mint. Long-lasting with a soft and velvety finish. Press This has evolved nicely, with alluring coffee and cocoa flavors melding into the core of crushed plum, fig sauce and melted licorice. The long, fleshy finish lets mature tobacco and black tea notes slide in. Very Maipo. Nicely done. 91 Points, Wine Spectator , June 2011  Haras de Pirque Albis 2011