House of Morande 2006
From the Maipo valley, near to Chile's capital Santiago. Takes its influence from Bordeaux, both in terms of composition (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 9% Carignan - ignore the Carignan component for the purpose of this note, it is not permitted in Bordeaux) and vinification. Low-yielding in the region of 1KG per vine, sees an extended maceration of up to 5 weeks, 18 months in barrel and then 2 months in bottle unfiltered.Can you smell elegance? Refined on approach, quite delicate - elegant if I am permitted to say - has settled with 7 years on it. Cedary, hints of bay, a little black fruit and a savoury twist of anise. Fades quickly mind, aromas taking a back seat.
Medium bodied, integrated and savoury. Residual oak slides into the body of the wine. Acid is stil noticeable and provides a little freshness; anise and black fruit present here also, the two working in tandem across the palate.
Tanin is ultra-fine, elegant, sustained - length is exemplary and memorable. I'd be quite happy drinking Cabernet like this all of the time - and time is what this example has. My only quibble here - and hence preventing a higher 'score' - is where it will go. Structurally it holds up brilliantly, just some wonder about fading aromatics. Maybe just a point in its development? 92+ - Very Good
Tasted on: Sunday 4th August, a Flower Day
Source: Gift
Price: $?
Alcohol: 14.1%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.morande.cl/
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