2021 Massal 1945, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos de Luz, Almahue, Chile

Chile Rapel Almahue

Tasting note

Fresh black cherry and dark plums on the nose with a hint of sweet spice. Lovely balance of generosity and freshness to the fruit, backed with ripe fine tanins.

Our thoughts

A small family winery in Almahue Valley, Clos de Luz is run by Gabriel Edwards. The estate was bought by his great-grandfather in 1892, planted by his grandmother in 1945, and now spreads over 33 hectares of vineyards. The 80-year old, ungrafted vines are massal selection, rather than clonal, preserving natural diversity and complex, varied character in the final wines. Viticulture too remains highly traditional, with the vineyards ploughed by horses (the twisted trunks of the old vines make it impossible to use a tractor) while organic cover crops help de-compact and integrate into the soils. The goal is to create balanced, elegant wines, and in the case of this early-harvested Cabernet, there is a certain St-Estèphe-like character to the crème de cassis, graphite-toned fruit, with wine director Peter Mitchell MW labelling it ‘one of the best-value Cabs we list’.

2021 Massal 1945, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos de Luz, Almahue, Chile

Tasting note

Fresh black cherry and dark plums on the nose with a hint of sweet spice. Lovely balance of generosity and freshness to the fruit, backed with ripe fine tanins.

Our thoughts

A small family winery in Almahue Valley, Clos de Luz is run by Gabriel Edwards. The estate was bought by his great-grandfather in 1892, planted by his grandmother in 1945, and now spreads over 33 hectares of vineyards. The 80-year old, ungrafted vines are massal selection, rather than clonal, preserving natural diversity and complex, varied character in the final wines. Viticulture too remains highly traditional, with the vineyards ploughed by horses (the twisted trunks of the old vines make it impossible to use a tractor) while organic cover crops help de-compact and integrate into the soils. The goal is to create balanced, elegant wines, and in the case of this early-harvested Cabernet, there is a certain St-Estèphe-like character to the crème de cassis, graphite-toned fruit, with wine director Peter Mitchell MW labelling it ‘one of the best-value Cabs we list’.

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Chile Rapel Almahue
£23.50 (Bottle)
Producer Clos de Luz
Sub-Region Almahue
Region Rapel
Country Chile
Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage 2021
Colour Red
ABV 14.00%
Style Full , Dry

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Vinous

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Massal 1945 from Almahue, Cachapoal, was aged in concrete vats and foudres. The slightly reductive nose offers redcurrant and white pepper notes with hints of rosemary. Dry and fairly taut in the mouth, the finely grained, polished tannins and juicy feel flow into a lingering, fruity finish. The cold year has left its mark on this much leaner than usual Cachapoal red.

92 Points / Drinking 2023 - 2036

By Joaquin Hidalgo / June 2023