2009 Valle Secreto Vineyards Private Edition Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Pre-Arrival Offer

PRE ARRIVAL OFFER: 2009 VALLE SECRETO RED BLEND.
'DOING OUR OWN THING'.
Our last South American offer discussed how high end wine lovers pay for 'terroir', an elusive concept that's increasingly claimed by vignerons to differentiate their wines from the multi regional and industrial end of the market. The marketing inspiration is the original French concept of 'terroir', a system based on intricate rules and regulations, forged through centuries of trial and error, with all the cultural practices and historic upheavals that form the continuous history of wine production expressed by the French. New World appellation systems often reflect geo-political realities rather than considerations of viticulture, wine production and quality. Detailed regulations are seen as needlessly restrictive. Australian winemakers respond with statements about freedom and the value it can bring, citing the success of multi regional wine icons, like Penfolds Grange, or world famous innovations like the Shiraz Cabernet blend. The latter would be considered a travesty of terroir by the stringent, highly regulated standards of the French AOC system. Shiraz (a.k.a. Syrah) belongs in the Rhone Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon’s spiritual home is in Bordeaux. End of story. You could plant a paddock of Shiraz in Bordeaux, but the legislative side of the French system would leave you with an unmarketable 'UVO' (Unidentified Vinous Object) regardless of quality, only entitled to the belittling Vin de France/ Vin de Table designation. Unbound by rules and traditions, Australians married two supposedly incompatible varieties with stunning results (in fact, Shiraz Cabernet blends have won more medals than any other wine style at Australian shows). Bin 389 is one of Penfold’s benchmarks while Yalumba’s Signature is held in the highest regard, and yes, even Penfold’s Grange is rarely without a small Cabernet component (up to 13%). These are the wines that defined our industry identity – irreverent, adventurous and clever - with the Cabernet adding structure, tension and lift to the more voluptuous Shiraz; while the Shiraz in turn makes the wines accessible, taming the harder, greener tendencies of Cabernet Sauvignon and shaving years off the cellaring requirements. They were instant classics when they were released and stand as contemporary classics today. An amazing blend reminiscent of many local wine icons (less the icon price tag). As larrikan as its Australian counterparts, but with a crimson,
South American twist in the tale.
Now the Chileans are doing it for themselves. 'Valle Secreto' are a small producer with 36 Ha of low cropping vines (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Carmenere) They’re committed to producing wines from varieties which “express their potential with the local climate and special characteristic of the soil they are in.” (Read: we're content joining the Australians in questioning history). Not that the Chileans don’t believe some places are better than others to grow grapes. 'Alto Cachapoal' is located in the newly designated (although still voluntary) Andes geographic zone and is warmer and drier than the coastal regions, and has greater diurnal temperature variation than vineyards on the wide valley floor. This lends itself to Shiraz in the elegant, pepper spectrum and Cabernet akin to Barossa Valley styles from leaner years. Less than 350 cases of this stunning value were produced. Only a small proportion has been allocated for Australia. The price is due to a combination of direct shipping (no wholesalers) and pre-arrival costing. Buy now before the price goes up after the wine lands in Australia in January 2012 - if it's not already sold out. DIRECT IMPORT - LIMITED STOCKS, NO WHOLESALER MARGINS APPLY
An outstanding blend that combines elegance and a refined structure with rich, perfectly ripened fruit. Totally opaque black crimson red colour with deep dark crimson red hue. The nose is perfumed with lifted scents of violets, blackcurrant and mulberry followed by a cedary tobacco like overlay and a spice end note. The palate boasts excellent concentration with rich mouthfilling flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and liquorice followed by cedar, tobacco and spice, showing serious complexity for its price point. Very fine grained perfectly integrated tannin structure. Superb length with very long blackcurrant, cedar and spicy tobacco aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years (2011-2017)
Alc 14.0% Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer: 1.There is no minimum order. 2. The wine is due to arrive in January 2012. 3. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine. 4. Errors and omissions excepted 5. Delivery charges apply to any order under $200 in value - these can be found here.