Vinedo Chadwick 2016

"Planted in 1992 on the alluvial terraces of the Maipo River in Puente Alto, in 1999 this former polo field began to yield one of the most indispensable cabernets in Maipo Alto in particular, and in Chile in general. It is grown on alluvial soils bathed by Andean breezes. Winemaker Francisco Baettig has been transforming the style of this wine and trying to showcase this historic Chilean terroir—the same place that gives rise to Don Melchor and Almaviva—as clearly as possible. Irrigation is managed to prevent water stress and keep the leaves green and active, and the fruit is protected from the zone’s abundant sunshine. And in the winery, extractions are lighter and the selected barrels have less toast than in the past. Last year marked a turning point, with a wine full of freshness and nerve. This year it has that same nerve, set against a backdrop of delicious red fruit. A cabernet that marks an entirely different territory and that is even tenser than the previous version."