Laberinto 2021 'Cenizas' Mezcla Tinta (Red Blend), Colbun

Vineyard Notes: This manually harvested, estate blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is from vines that Rafael Tirado planted himself in 1993. The vineyard is planted to volcanic soils in the foothills of the Andes, on the slopes above Lake Colbun. These Andean soils were formed from volcanic ash ('ceniza') accumulated over thousands of years. The specific vineyards used for this wine are in an area of gentle hillsides, with a northern exposure facing the lake, which provides greater warmth to these grapes. The soils are more granitic and with strong presence of the Andean Mountain mother rock. Laberinto practices both regenerative and organic viticulture. Rafael also plays with different exposures in his vineyards, in a desire to achieve a complexity in the wines.

Vintage Notes: The 2021 season was cold and with abundant rainfall in winter, spring and summer; over 1,000 mm which allowed for adequate natural water management in the soil, very favorable for the quality of the grapes. We achieved small clusters and produced one kilo of fruit per plant. Harvest began in mid-March, early in the morning, and it was characterized by very low yields.

Winemaking Notes: Grapes were harvested by hand and fermented with native yeasts. Maceration lasted between 22-25 days with 15% stem inclusion. The wine was aged in used 400-liter French barrels for 14 months, and then bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: The palate is full-bodied with lavish ripe black cherries, blackberries, blueberry and cassis fruit that coat the mouth. Hints of eucalyptus and violets lead to a structured yet smooth finish with subtle hints of oak; succulent fruit with good grip.