TerraNoble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Much like Argentina, Chile is known primarily for their big red varietals, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Carmenere and Cabernet Franc. TerraNoble was one of the early pioneers of the region with plantings dating from 1993. Now with 360 hectares under vine in the Maule Valley, one of the nation’s oldest, most decorated wine regions, TerraNoble has their pick of the litter.

But for the Gran Reserva Cabernet, they draw from just two parcels that are like dueling siblings, each selected for their tiny yields. The two grape sources are locked in a continuous battle – each contributing to a finished wine substantially greater than the sum of its parts.

Los Cactus vineyard is stretched over the gentle hills of Marchigüe and are hand-harvested over a two week period in mid-March (remember South of the equator). It’s relative proximity to the sea and sandy soils produce Cabernet of tight structure, fine tannins, and acidic tension.

Los Lingues is the complete opposite. Located at the base of the Andes Mountains, its clay soils and cooler climate means harvesting takes place nearly a month later but the result is lucious, fruit-forward Cabernet.

When you combine the two – well – you get a critical hit parade and wine that is not only too easy to drink, but one with a complexity that is unheard of at today’s price point.