2006 Amancaya Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon

The wines of Los Vascos, produced in Chile by Domaines Barons De Rothschild have all arrived and have been received with great enthusiasm by wine lovers. During the 1980’s, the Rothschild’s also created a number of formidable partnerships in both Argentina and Portugal. The result has been the production of a superb range of wines made under the guidance of the Domaines. The notion of a partnership between Domaines Barons De Rothschild – Lafite and the Catena family in Argentina was first mooted in 1988 – with the idea of fusing French and Argentinian cultures into a new signature wine. The Catena family have been growing grapes for three generations and thoroughly understand the high altitude terroirs of the Mendoza region. The Lafite team contributed its centuries old skills of growing, vinifying and ageing great Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as the art of blending. The top priority of the partnership was to select the finest terroirs to enhance the quality of the two dominant grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The Malbec is sourced from vines over 30 years old planted at between 800 and 1400 metres above sea level in the region of Vistalba, La Consulta and Gualtallary. The Cabernet is produced from 20 year old vines which have been planted between 950 and 1150 metres above sea level in Agrelo and Tupungato.

Amancaya is the Native Indian name of a flower from the Mendoza area of the Andes. Excellent spring and summer growing conditions heralded the start of the 2006 Vintage, with windy conditions producing a positive outcome for the quality of the grapes. The Malbec yields were reduced as the result of a December hail storm. This wine has been made by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in association with Nicholas Catena. The blend is composed of 50% Malbec and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a most impressive red. Spectacular colour, opaque black purple colour with black purple hue and paint like cling to the glass walls. Top note of blackcurrant followed by black cherry, toasted oak, liquorice, spice and truffle. Mouthfilling palate – with flavours of spice, inky cherry, earth, blackcurrant and black cherry over a toasted oak background. Excellent weight and mouthfeel. Fine grained tannins, perfect balance and very long aftertaste. Outstanding value for money.
Cellar 4-5 years (2012-2013)
Alc/Vol: 14%