Deep ruby color; cherry, raspberry, baking spice, cedar on the nose; black cherry, plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, jammy raspberry, mint, chocolate on the palate.
Dry; broad, agreeable tannins and impressive supporting acidity (3.36 pH). Significant blackcurrant tang, especially early in the pour. Medium-bold body. Blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% petit verdot, and 6% cabernet franc, 2% merlot—classic Bordeaux ensemble cast, with cab the star. Complex, soft texture, spiciness throughout. Voluptuous mouthfeel that evolves with exposure to air. Definitely some oak, but in complementary way rather than pancake makeup to cover flaws. French barrels, all second and third use with various toast levels. Egg-white fining and light filtration prior to bottling. 14.9% ABV
Peñalolén is a family-owned, boutique winery founded by Ricardo Peña and his wife Isabel. Jean-Pascal Lacaze is the winemaker. All grapes come from a single organically grown, gravelly sloped vineyard. Grown and harvested by hand, with picking done in early morning to preserve freshness and flavor. Wine spends one year in French oak.
Viña Peñalolén Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley 2019 delivers well integrated velvety tannins and dark fruits with interest-creating tang. Becomes even more amenable with exposure to air in the glass. Not clearly needed, but consider decanting if you want a lush, sensual experience in addition to the rich, tasty fruit.
Pair with rich cuts of beef, tannins easily can handle well-marbled cuts such as ribeye; lamb; wild game—venison, boar; barbecued beef and chicken; gourmet hamburger; baby back ribs. Cheese—cheddar, aged gouda, gorgonzola; aged cow’s milk cheese with some age; semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese with some age; slightly firm, soft-ripened cheese with earthy notes like triple-crème brie. $18-22
U.S. importer website about this wine
