Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2015 | Impeccably Balanced & Harmonious
Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2015 displays deep black core with a dense ruby rim. Ripe nose of black plum and lingonberry preserves, coffee beans, lavender, violets, and vanillin. Rounded palate full of plush tannins and soft, juicy fruits, full-bodied, and with a nice freshness to the finish.
92 points Vinous | The Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2015 projects bright, dark red with ruby highlights. While pure but subdued scents of dark raspberry, pepper, chocolate, and menthol. Also fine-grained, savory and fresh. An alluring delineated midweight with spicy and floral high notes to its raspberry and currant fruit flavors. Yet the peppery quality carries through the wine and perks up the finish. The tannins are firm but harmonious. Most of all this impeccably balanced, structured wine finishes with firm but harmonious tannins and subtly palate-staining spicy length.
New Generation of Andean Winemakers
Chakana is a leader among the new generation of winemakers dedicated to the expression of the diverse Andean climate and soils. And the Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2015 has impressed all around, earning a glowing 94 from Tim Atkin MW. In addition 92 points from Vinous, which calls it “savory and fresh” and “alluring. So, we can’t think of a better place for a Malbec or Cabernet lover to spend $20.
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Gualtallary is the fast-rising Argentine region that James Suckling says “is producing some of Mendoza’s most compelling wines. This is where the jagged Andes seem to rise up out of the vineyards. And where the Pelizzatti family harvests the Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2015. While the blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at 5,500 feet of elevation. Also where the cool climate and intense sun result in wines that balance freshness and perfect ripeness.
Chakana winery | Juan Pelizzatti | Biodynamic and Organic
The Pelizzatti family’s vineyards in Mendoza are all either certified biodynamic and organic or are being farmed according to those standards. The Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2015 consists of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, both grown on their 35 acres, 5,500-foot elevation site in Gualtallary. While the wine begins aging in large foudres and concrete vats. But before being transferred to oak barriques for nine months—the Malbec sees old barrels, and the Cabernet sees new. Vinous calls the Chakana an “impeccably balanced, structured wine.” We call it a steal from one of the top terroirs in South America.
