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2019 Cacique Maravilla, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bio-Bio, Chile
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2015 Leeuwin “Prelude” Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon is not just for Nappans and the Bordelaise. It is also thriving in the southern hemisphere, especially in Western Australia and Chile. While these might be relatively unknown, or new to us in the U.S., these are established wineries and regions.
Cacique Maravilla, run by Manuel Moraga, is the 7th generation making wine in the Bio Bio region of Chile. His familial history in the area can be traced back to 1740 when they first planted the Pais in his vineyards. Manuel’s style is about as minimalist as can be imagined. The vineyard is dry farmed, there’s no intervention with chemicals or with pruning. In the cellars fermentations are spontaneous and maturation does not occur in oak. The wines are bottled never filtered and without additional sulfur. This wine will challenge you. It’s showcases Cabernet Sauvignon through the ‘natural wine’ lens. It will be brighter and lighter in color with a touch of earthy funk. Enjoy it with leaner ‘red meats’ venison, filet, or duck.
Denis Horgan is to Australian wine what Robert Mondavi is to Californian wine. He’s a pioneer ironically, influenced and mentored by Robert Mondavi himself. Initially the land was being run by Denis and Tricia Horgan as a cattle farm. That would all change when they were approached by Mr. Mondavi in 1972. Robert was attracted by the consistent maritime climate in the area as he searched to expand his business. Rather than sell the farm, Denis invited Robert to consult which he agreed to. Applying his uncompromising commitment to quality they soon found great success. The first vintage was 1977 and their first of many accolades came from Decanter for their 1981 Art Series Chardonnay. This is a classic easy-going Cabernet. Perfect with a meaty or earthy pizza or try it with a hearty weeknight stew.
2019 Cacique Maravilla, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bio-Bio, Chile
This is dry farmed and organically grown Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that were planted in the 1990s on a unique soil of volcanic origin mixing in sand and ash. It is hand harvested and fermented in native Raulí tanks (open top fermenters) with spontaneous yeast followed by 10 months on the lees in the same Raulí tanks before bottling unfined, unfiltered and with minimal SO2.
2015 Leeuwin “Prelude” Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River Australia
93JH 9% Malbec included here, and I think it has its say. There's ample classic Margaret River Cabernet character for sure, and some vanilla and chocolate, but there's an (attractive) sappy raspberry/mulberry nuance in the bouquet and palate that's a little different. Overall it's impeccably well balanced and supple, flavoursome but not heavy. It's ready when you are.
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