South America

• • 98
  • 96

  • Nick's Import

  2020 Almaviva

  Valle de Maipo, CHILE

  $380. 00

  Bottle

  $4560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Almaviva is the ambitious partnership of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild group (Bordeaux) and Viña Concha y Toro (Chile) with the intention of creating a wine of exceptional character, complexity and ageing potential from extraordinary Chilean terroir. Launched with the 1996 vintage, consistent vineyard improvements and meticulous winemaking today mark Almaviva as one of the finest wines produced in Chile.
  The 2020 vintage is adorned with a special anniversary label to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the winery.

  Other Reviews....
  Fresh and deep nose, full of blueberries, minty cassis, mussels, cigars, dark spice and roasted sesame oak, which will need a year or two to fully integrate. A medium-to full-bodied Almaviva with supple, silky tannins and a wealth of black and blue fruit that provides a lot of charm now. Voluptuous and flattering on the palate, hallmarked by its tension and taut texture. Very long. This is the 25th anniversary bottling. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 24% carmenere, 6% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but better from 2024.
  98 points
  James Suckling

  2020 was exceptionally dry, with 75% less rain than usual in the period between May and September, which resulted in an earlier harvest to produce a 2020 Almaviva with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carmenère (from Peumo), 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, so with no Merlot this time. The process was as careful as possible, without using any bombs, doing manual and optical sorting of the grapes, pressing in small vertical presses and aging of 20 months in French oak barrels, 73% of them new and the rest second use. The wine reached good ripeness with 14.9% alcohol. It still shows the effect of the élevage a bit, with abundant notes of sweet spices, a creamy touch and some smoke. I tasted it next to the 2019, and the wines have a very similar aromatic palette with a clear note of baked peppers. What was amazing in 2020 was that they harvested the Carmenere almost five weeks earlier than they normally would, and the result is not a green wine at all. As in all dry years, the wines show a little more tannic, a little in the style of the 2017—but the 2020 has more tension than the 2017, and the 2017 was more powerful and with a bigger tannic structure. The 2019 had more volume than the 2018, and the 2020 is closer to the 2019 than the 2018. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled during the second half of February 2022. Drink: 2024 - 2036.
  96 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate

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• • 94
  • 94

  • Nick's Import

  2020 Almaviva Epu

  Valle de Maipo, CHILE

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14.8%

  Closure: Cork

  Almaviva is the ambitious partnership of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild group (Bordeaux) and Viña Concha y Toro (Chile) with the intention of creating a wine of exceptional character, complexity and ageing potential from extraordinary Chilean terroir. Launched with the 1996 vintage, consistent vineyard improvements and meticulous winemaking today mark Almaviva as one of the finest wines produced in Chile.
  For the second year running, we see the release of the second wine from Almaviva, named Epu. With a slightly higher Cabernet component in this wine the feel is more reminiscent of Bordeaux.

  Other Reviews....
  Lots of finely roasted sweet spice and roasted sesame to the blackberries, cassis and iron, together with hints of blue fruit and cured meat. A medium-to full-bodied palate, filled with rather generous sweet berries. Fleshy, supple and savory with quite fine-grained tannins and a long finish. First year with 10% new wood. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 12% carmenere, 5% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Already delicious, but can hold, too.
  94 points
  James Suckling

  The current release of their second wine is the 2020 Epu. It's selected from the same terroir and vineyard in Puente Alto, one of the most reputed places for Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile, but from the younger vines (five- to 20-year-old vines) and harvested a little earlier to preserve acidity and fruit. In the warm and dry 2020 vintage, the wine was produced with a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Carmenere, 5% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, usually higher in Cabernet and lower in Carmenere than Almaviva. It has red ripe berries, the textbook blackberries and cassis and some creamy oak. It's ripe at 14.8% alcohol and has mellow acidity, good freshness and balance, with a pH of 3.71 and 4.8 grams of acidity (tartaric). It matured for 12 months in French barriques, 10% new and 90% second use. The wine has a bright nose with a clean note of baked "morrón" peppers intermixed with red berry compote. It has a velvety plate with the luxurious texture of the modern Bordeaux, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins. It's approachable and round but should reward some time in bottle. This is a pretty serious Epu. 75,000 bottles produced. It was bottled at the end of 2021 and the first days of 2022. Drink: 2023 - 2030.
  94 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate

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• • 96
  • 96

  • Biodynamic

  2022 Bodega Chacra Cincuenta Y Cinco Pinot Noir

  Patagonia, ARGENTINA

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bodega Chacra was formed in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the grandson of Sassicaia’s founder, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Piero always wanted to do his own thing independent of family ties, and in 2004 he heard about an abandoned Pinot vineyard in Patagonia that was originally planted in 1932 and knew immediately it was the opportunity he had been looking for. And so began what is now Bodega Chacra, generally recognised as the greatest Pinot Noir produced in South America. Over time another vineyard from 1955 was added, while a conversation between friends has turned into a partnership with esteemed Burgundian Chardonnay producer Jean-Marc Roulot joining Piero in Patagonia in planting, farming, and vinification of Chardonnay at Chacra.

  Located in the Rio Negro Valley in northern Patagonia, Argentina, Bodega Chacra is comprised of 24 hectares of vineyards planted mainly to Pinot Noir, along with a small amount of Chardonnay. Piero also values responsible farming as demonstrated by his grandfather at Sassicaia, and each of the vineyards are tended using organic and biodynamic principles. After hand harvesting, the fruit is handled the gentlest way possible, with movements transferred by gravity, fermentation occurring in concrete, minimal new oak usage, and no fining or filtration at bottling. Piero's aim is to retain greater purity and transparency, and it's this ability for his wines to so clearly express their origin that's so engaging with Chacra wines. It's also one of the key attributes that only the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay across the globe are able to achieve.

  Cincuenta y Cinco comes from vineyards planted in 1955 which gently rest on a sea of pebbles, typical in riverbed soils. It is fermented whole cluster at very low temperatures, enhancing the floral characteristics of the wine. Cincuenta y Cinco has the highest amount of tension of all the Chacra wines while it still retains a comfortable ease.

  Other Reviews....
  Fresh and floral nose with tiles, vibrant red berries and pomegranate. Stony, mineral verve. Pure and expressive with good tension on the medium-bodied palate. Silky, very nimble and elegant. Acidic red berries in the finish that cleanse the palate. So much drinkability. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.
  96 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  From 1955 plantings. One thing to note, is that for premium wines, the bottles are pretty lightweight. Good!
  Raspberry and cherry pip, spice, a liquorice/fennel perfume, stony, a little peppery. Medium-bodied, spicy red fruit, some rhubarb and strawberry pie, kind of juicy, but also tight, sappy, and controlled with a distinct cool ‘mineral’ feel to it. Tannin is dusty and gently peppery, and the finish is stony and long. Outstanding. Love these wines. Drink 2024 - 2034+.
  96 points
  Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

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• • 96
  • 94

  • Biodynamic
  • Preservative Free

  2021 Bodega Chacra Sin Azufre Pinot Noir

  Patagonia, ARGENTINA

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bodega Chacra was formed in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the grandson of Sassicaia’s founder, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Piero always wanted to do his own thing independent of family ties, and in 2004 he heard about an abandoned Pinot vineyard in Patagonia that was originally planted in 1932 and knew immediately it was the opportunity he had been looking for. And so began what is now Bodega Chacra, generally recognised as the greatest Pinot Noir produced in South America.

  Over time another vineyard from 1955 was added along with more plantings. Vineyards are tended using organic and biodynamic principles. The old vines are planted on their own rootstocks, producing tiny bunches with incredibly concentrated flavours. Fruit is hand harvested, fermented in concrete, transferred by gravity and treated in the gentlest way possible without fining or filtration in order to produce wines with transparency.

  Sin Azufre is a passion project for Piero, with zero sulphur additions the team take extreme care and attention to detail with this wine. Precise selection of bunches within the 1955 vineyard, which is then aged mostly in concrete.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2021 Sin Azufre is the no-sulfur-added cuvée of Pinot Noir from organic and biodynamic grapes from vines planted in 1955. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts for 15 days and matured 60% in French oak barrels, 30% in concrete tanks and 10% in clay amphorae for nine months. It's light and fresh with 12% alcohol. The first vintage of this wine in 2013 changed everything, and today all the wines have very little sulfur. The nose is alive and expressive, denoting a living wine with hints of organic earth and tons of flowers and translucent red berries. It's clean, precise and chiseled, with pungent flavor, weightless but full of energy and light, with purity of flavors and symmetry. There are no hints of a wine with no sulfur added. It's just a superb expression of Pinot. Purity without funkiness. 12,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2021. Drink 2022 - 2028.
  94+ points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Dec 2022)

  Very fresh aromas of cranberries, fresh blueberries, stones, pomegranates, stems, violets and lemon zest. It’s medium-bodied with very fine, powdery tannins. So clean and juicy. Mineral, layered and transparent. Taut finish. Fruit from Cincuenta y Cinco vineyard. No sulfites added. Drink from 2023. From biodynamically grown grapes.
  96 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 98
  • 96

  2019 Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle Clos Du Lican

  Apalta, CHILE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Intense and heady nose of black fruit, black truffles, peppered meat, mahogany, mocha and grilled herbs. Some burnt caramel, too. It’s full-bodied with a rich, plush and creamy palate. So much to offer. Velvety, polished tannins. Hot chocolate marries savory meat. Delicious finish. Big and generous. A new and exciting single-vineyard 100% syrah. Drink or hold.
  98 points
  James Suckling

  All Syrah that spent 23 months in new barrels, the 2019 Clos Du Lican is a gorgeous effort that brings solid depth and richness, yet it's the purity and finesse, as well as the quality of the tannins, that really set it apart. Revealing a deeper ruby/purple hue as well as lots of blackberry and mulberry fruits, it has perfectly integrated oak, medium to full body, silky tannins, and just a complex, incredibly impressive bouquet of peppery herbs, sandalwood, violets, and baking spices. Despite solid levels of ripeness (the alcohol is over 15%), it has a terrific sense of freshness, and again, the purity and balance are something to behold. This gorgeous Syrah will evolve for 15+ years. Drink 2022 - 2038.
  96 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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• • 98
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98

  • Nick's Import

  2020 Cheval des Andes Pre-Arrival Offer

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2023-2033)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Cheval des Andes is the brainchild of Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc with the dream to follow the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina. Malbec was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century, and having avoided the phylloxera epidemic that swept through Europe, the ungrafted vines here represent a unique opportunity to express Malbec in a way not possible with the grafted vines found elsewhere. With this aim, Chateau Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes in 1999 and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes. The 2020 vintage is a blend of 49% Malbec, 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot.

  Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. A potent mix of black cherry, blackcurrant and liquorice scents greet the nostrils followed by hints of ripe blueberry, spicy vanillin cedar, dusty earth, provincial herbs and traces of graphite. Rich, mouthfilling and powerful, a tidal wave of black cherry, liquorice, blackcurrant and blueberry fruits engulf the palate. Beautifully integrated graphite like tannins lend polish and provide an exemplary framework. Earth, tobacco, vanillin cedar, black olives and spicy dried herbs form the underbelly. There’s a refined edge to the long, gorgeously seductive conclusion.
  Drink over the next 8-10 years.
  Alc. 14.5%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2020 Cheval des Andes was harvested from the last of February for the first time ever. It was Gabillet's second vintage at Cheval des Andes, and that year, he had to start without waiting for Pierre Olivier Clouet and Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc; when they arrived, they had finished picking the Malbec, which surprisingly was fresher in Las Compuertas (because of the higher percentage of clay?) than in Altamira (where the vines suffered more stress), saving the freshness. They now harvest using cold trucks (for the first time), and they also started earlier in the morning (six in the morning, impossible earlier in Mendoza...), which he reckons was very good for the precision of the wine. They used 40% 225-liter barrels, 40% 400-liter oak barrels and 20% 2,500-liter foudres, half of them new and with an élevage of 15 months on average, depending on the lots and varieties from 12 to 18 months. The final blend was 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, which makes a comeback as it was not used since 2016. The key was to finish the fermentation of the Petit Verdot without skins, and that way, they have been able to use it in the blends of 2021, 2022 and 2023 in small but increasing percentages. This is slightly riper than 2019, with a little more alcohol (14.5%) and with very good structural tannins but saving the freshness, and it has the spicy side from the Petit Verdot (Gabillet talks about white pepper). The wine has the ultra sleek and polished texture and the elegance and the balance that is the signature here; the wine is very clean and precise. I see very good regularity across the three vintages I tasted next to each other—this 2020 and the 2018 and 2019. Overall, this is a triumph over the adverse conditions of the vintage. They produced their usual 100,000 bottles (since 2018), as they are renewing their vineyards and want to keep the volume stable. They produce this volume from the 36 productive hectares they have in Las Compuertas and Altamira. Drink 2024-2034.
  98 points
  Luis Gutierrez – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Ripe, baked dark cherries with spices and some violets. Hints of graphite, cocoa powder, incense and black pepper. Dried rose petals. A slightly fuller Cheval des Andes with tense, silky tannins and a lingering, generous finish. Ripe, but still has lots of restraint and precision. 49% malbec, 49% cabernet sauvignon with a 2% petit verdot. 24% of the malbec comes from Altamira and all the rest of the fruit come from Las Compuertas. Drink or hold.
  97 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  The 2020 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley and Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo. Aged in French oak barrels, it's purple in the glass with a garnet sheen. The nose reveals a well-judged approach to the warmth of 2020, featuring ripe plum, redcurrant, mint and hints of white pepper over a bed of bay leaf and cedar. It's dry and velvety on the palate, with rich, polished tannins that deliver a juicy, balanced mouthfeel. The balsamic notes and rich palate reflect the year's character, while the finish is dynamic and long-lasting. Drink 2025-2035.
  96 points
  Joaquin Hidalgo - Vinous

  Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:

  1. There is no minimum order unless stated.

  2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.

  3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.

  4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in May 2024.

  5. 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.

  6. Errors and omissions excepted.

  7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 98
  • 98

  • Nick's Import

  2018 Cheval des Andes

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  Closure: Cork

  Cheval des Andes is the brainchild of Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc with the dream to follow the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina. Malbec was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century, and having avoided the phylloxera epidemic that swept through Europe, the ungrafted vines here represent a unique opportunity to express Malbec in a way not possible with the grafted vines found elsewhere. With this aim, Chateau Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes in 1999 and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes. On the eve of the estate’s 20th anniversary, the 2018 has yet again greatly improved in terms of precision and style, offering a luscious, well-balanced wine, with tannins that are already fabulously integrated. The blend includes 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2018 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in small lots in 3,000- to 8,000-liter tanks and matured 40% in 225-liter oak barrels, 40% in 400-liter oak barrels and the remaining 20% in 2,500-liter oak vats for 13 months. Ninety percent of the oak used was French and the rest a blend of Austrian, Slovenian and German oak, 50% of it new. 2018 has been one of the best vintages in recent times in Mendoza, and the wine shows it. It's a cooler vintage, and the wine has improved in freshness and elegance without losing any clout. It's 14.5% alcohol and has a pH of 3.73. This is young, juicy, elegant and balanced and still has some herbal and toasted notes; it's medium to full-bodied, with the creamy and luxurious texture of the modern Bordeaux, ultra fine tannins and a long, dry and precise finish. It's still undeveloped and seems to have all the components and the balance between them for a long and positive development in bottle. With wines like this, I sometimes wish I had a time machine so I could see them in 20 years from now... I think this is the finest Cheval des Andes I've ever tasted. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. Drink 2022 - 2040.
  98 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sep 2021)

  The 2018 Cheval Des Andes is a blend of 70% Malbec – half from Las Compuertas and half from Paraje Altamira – and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Las Compuertas. It was aged in barrels and foudres, 50% in new oak. Purplish red in the glass. It shows an expressively complex nose of plum, cherry and hints of spice, pepper, ink, blackberry, and blackcurrant. The oak provides a profound and subtle backdrop of sweet spice. In the mouth, it’s viscous and broad with a little juice, velvety in texture and with very fine tannins. The finish is long-lasting with a satisfying feel. A relaxed, delicate, extremely well-balanced wine with a more generous core than the 2017 vintage. Drink 2021 - 2038.
  96 points
  Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous

  This is a plush, rich Cheval with blueberry and floral aromas and flavors. HInts of tar and fresh lavender. Full body. The depth and richness are impressive, as are the ripe yet fresh tannins. Very long and structured, yet controlled and in balance. This will be a great wine indeed. Release in September 2021. Drink after 2023.
  98 points
  James Suckling

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• • 99
  • 95

  • Nick's Import

  2019 Clos Apalta

  Colchagua Valley, CHILE

  $235. 00

  Bottle

  $2820.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  The vineyard, planted in the 1910s using a unique French massal selection, is located in the Apalta Valley, near the town of Santa Cruz on the western side of the Colchagua Valley. In 1994 the property was acquired by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, with a vision to highlight the exceptional terroir of Apalta drawing upon their French expertise. Clos Apalta was born soon after, in 1997, as the iconic wine of the Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle in Chile. The team is currently led by Charles de Bournet, the son of the founders and 7th generation.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2019 Clos Apalta was produced with a blend of 70% Carmenere, 18% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, extremely high in Carmenere and low in Cabernet Sauvignon in a ripe and warm year. It fermented with indigenous yeasts for four to five weeks, with manual punch-down of the cap, 67% in 7,500-liter French oak vats and 33% in new French oak barrels followed by malolactic in new French oak barrels. The élevage was 24 months in 90% new barrels and 10% second use. It's powerful, big and ripe, with 15% alcohol and a pH of 3.57. It's creamy and juicy, with very high ripeness and a notable absence of herbal notes; it's oaky, smoky and decadent, coming through as luxurious, round, lush and velvety. It's full-bodied and has abundant, small and powdery tannins. 103,944 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2021. Drink: 2023 - 2032.
  95 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate

  A generous array of ripe black and blue fruit with pink peppercorns, green olives, dried flowers, toffee and chocolate orange. It’s full-bodied with firm, creamy and velvety tannins. Long and polished. Lovely salted caramel and olives at the end. Keeps going. Unfolds on the finish. 70% carmenere, 18% merlot, 8% cabernet sauvignon and 4% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
  99 points
  James Suckling

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• • 98
  • 96

  • Nick's Import

  2018 Clos Apalta

  Colchagua Valley, CHILE

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

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  Closure: Cork

  2018 Clos Apalta is a blend of 64% Carmenere, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Merlot. Following on from the dry 2017 vintage, 2018 started with a wet winter which allowed for sufficient accumulation of water in the soil, and once temperatures rose through summer the vines were well supported through to harvest. What resulted was a wine with healthy production, generous flavours, and relatively moderate alcohol levels with excellent freshness. 2018 is considered one of the all-time great vintages in Chile, and this release of Clos Apalta further adds to this assertion.

  Other Reviews....
  There is a lot of Carmenere character on the nose of the 2018 Clos Apalta, which was produced with 64% Carmenere, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot, a blend that is similar to the one used in 2016. The wine is not shy at all and hits the scale at 15% alcohol. It's showy, heady, hedonistic, aromatic, full-bodied and lush with abundant velvety tannins and a long and powerful finish where the notes of black peppercorns and tea and tobacco leaves dominate. This might not be a wine for everybody, but fans of the style will love it. 92,748 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2020. Drink 2022 - 2030.
  96 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

  So aromatic and fresh with dried flowers, sweet tobacco and hints of straw. Red fruit, cloves and green peppercorns. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins that are very fresh and refined. Fine, silky and beautiful. Hints of minerals and granite to the dark fruit. Such gorgeous length and beauty. 64% carmenere, 18% cabernet franc and 18% merlot. Extremely long and poised. Cooler wine. From biodynamically grown grapes. Delicious to drink already, but another three to four years will make it even better.
  98 points
  James Suckling

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• • 97
  • 98
  • 97

  • Nick's Import

  2020 Sena

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $275. 00

  Bottle

  $3300.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2033-2038)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Seña is the result of collaboration between the late Robert Mondavi and Chile’s Eduardo Chadwick, and is seen as THE icon wine of Chile for many. Part of this success and global recognition is due to the flamboyant promotional efforts of its creator, Eduardo Chadwick, a fifth generation family member of Vina Errazuriz. In particular, it was Chadwick's organising of international tastings and seminars that put Seña in the limelight, pitching his wine against the greatest First Growth and Super Tuscan properties and coming out on top.
  Midnight black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Wonderful nose with entrancing scents of red to blackcurrant, blackberry, red liquorice, tobacco leaf, dusty earth, vanillin cedar, black olive and spicy dried herbs. Rich, refined and possessing an aristocratic Bordeaux like sophistication the palate is decorated with blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorice fruits which are complimented by vanillin cedar, dusty earth, tobacco, dried herb and spice characters. Shows ample freshness and a tightly grained, sturdily built tannin structure that is seamlessly integrated. Concludes long with great finesse.
  Cellar 10-15 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2020 Seña is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 7% Petit Verdot (a little higher in search of acidity) from grapes harvested early, the second week of March, and fermented mostly in stainless steel and 10% in concrete eggs. It has a moderate 13.5% alcohol and good freshness. It's subtle and layered, not only fruit but with more spice; it has polished tannins and very integrated oak after 22 months in barrique, 78% new, and with 10% of the volume in large Stockinger barrels. The warmer years seem to be nicely managed, so that it's not reflected in the ripeness but is more a matter of texture and quality of the tannins; in the warmer years, like 2017 or this 2019, the wines have a little more grip, but these are definitely finer than those from the 2017 vintage. This wine has intensity and complexity, with no mintiness or herbal notes; it's spicy and juicy, with energy and depth. It has structure, color, stuffing and acidity to develop nicely in bottle. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2022. Drink: 2023 - 2035.
  97 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate

  Complex, with savory, spicy character, showing tobacco, salted plums, olives, black cherries, cassis and a hint of white pepper on the nose, followed by a refined, savory, balsamic accent. A full-bodied Seña with juicy fruit chiseling into the tight, extremely fine-grained tannins. Long, bright and still elegant from this warm vintage. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 25% malbec, 15% carmenere and 7% petit verdot. A wine with lots of harmony now, but better to drink from 2025.
  98 points
  James Suckling

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• • 96
  • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2020 Rocas de Sena

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  A new second wine here, the 2020 Rocas de Seña is named after the rocky soils from Seña is different as it includes Mediterranean grapes in the blend. This is the first vintage produced, and it’s a blend of 38% Malbec, 25% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Grenache (from their property in Vertientes, where the Syrah also comes from) and 8% Petit Verdot from selected plots from their property in Aconcagua. 2020 was warm and dry and saw an early harvest that delivered concentrated and powerful wines, this one at 14% alcohol and with a pH of 3.53 and 6.09 grams of acidity. It fermented mostly in stainless steel and 10% in concrete eggs, and the blend matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, 65% of them new. The nose is very expressive, and the palate is juicy and textured palate, a little warmer and riper than the Seña, with that Mediterranean twist from the Garnacha and Syrah. It has an intense nose, quite primary, with red berries, herbs and even a citrus touch, but there is no sweetness at all. The fine tannins have grip, and the finish is dry and serious. The élevage was similar to the Seña, but in the future, they might go for a slightly shorter élevage and use some foudres. The wine has a very nice bright color and is still young and lively, very much in the serious and elegant style of the Seña, despite the warm inaugural vintage, showing in the juicy palate. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2022. Drink: 2022 - 2028.
  93 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate

  Focused nose, showing fresh red chili chocolate with cigar, truffle, mint, olive and grilled meat. This is a medium-to full-bodied red with incredibly juicy and bright fruit and fine, caressing tannins that linger in the long, creamy but precise finish. Elegant and extremely drinkable with complexity. on top of 38% malbec, 25% syrah, 15% cabernet sauvignon, 14% grenache and 8% petit verdot. The real deal. Second wine of Seña. Drink or hold.
  96 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 98

  • Nick's Import

  2019 Sena

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $280. 00

  Bottle

  $3360.00 Dozen

  Add

  Closure: Cork

  Seña is the result of collaboration between the late Robert Mondavi and Chile’s Eduardo Chadwick, and is seen as THE icon wine of Chile for many. Part of this success and global recognition is due to the flamboyant promotional efforts of its creator, Eduardo Chadwick, a fifth generation family member of Vina Errazuriz. In particular, it was Chadwick's organising of international tastings and seminars that put Seña in the limelight, pitching his wine against the greatest First Growth and Super Tuscan properties and coming out on top. This 25th anniversary release of 2019 Sena is a worthy example for the jubilee, an exceptional quality wine with promising ageing potential from this milestone vintage. Its special edition label to commemorate the occasion makes it a unique collectable in every sense.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2019 Seña was produced with a Bordeaux blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot with the Chilean character of the high percentage of Carmenere. Most of the volume fermented in stainless steel with some 10% in concrete vats, and the final blend matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, 80% of them new, and 10% in Stockinger vats. It's 13.5% alcohol and has good acidity and freshness, coming through as medium-bodied, elegant and balanced. This is incredibly elegant, subtle and harmonious even at this early stage. It has floral aromas, notes of orange peel, a touch of creamy sweet spices and great freshness. The palate is medium-bodied, seamless and pure, with pungent flavors and a soft texture. It's long, clean, defined and super tasty. I feel this wine is getting better and better by the vintage. The grapes were picked quite early, and that helped to contain the ripeness and seems to have been a great decision. There was also an exception in the Panquehue zone where the Seña vines are, where the summer was cooler than the average, so quite different to many other regions in Chile. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2021. Drink 2021 - 2030.
  98 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

  Such beautiful aromas of crushed berries, currants, walnuts, allspice and nutmeg follow through to a full body with tight, ultra fine tannins that provide length and intensity. A finish of slightly dried cherries with wet earth, slate and stone. Chewy and fine-grained. A wine with soul and length. Give it time. Drink after 2025.
  98 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2020 Ventisquero Vertice La Robleria Vineyard Carmenere Syrah

  Valle de Apalta, CHILE

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

  Add

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  This wine is a joint creation of Ventisquero winemaker Felipe Tosso and ex Penfolds winemaker John Duval. Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep dark red black hue. Carrying Carmenere’s trademark tobacco character the nose offers up blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorice scents which intermix with spicy cedar and a whiff of peppered capsicum like notes. Rich, full and seductive the palate is awash with spicy blackcurrant and liquorice fruits which overlay a tobacco, dried herb, graphite, dusty cedar and pepper back drop. Polished tannins finishing long and concentrated yet also refined.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2016 Alamos Malbec

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $17. 99

  Bottle

  $215.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Totally opaque black dark red core with a bright dark red hue. Aromas of dark cherries, dark chocolate and a faint whiff of liquorice intermix with dried herbs and lightly scorched earth. Medium bodied the palate combines dark cherries with dried herb infusions, lightly scorched vanillin cedar, earth and spice. Finely grained tannins with a smooth mouthfeel and aftertaste of spicy dark cherries, dried herb infusions, scorched earth and vanillin cedar.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 90

  2017 Alamos Malbec

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $17. 99

  Bottle

  $215.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Opaque dark red black tinged colour with a dark purple hue. Aromas of dark cherries and plum laced with dried clove characters are followed by some dusty cedar and spicy tobacco notes. Medium bodied with an elegant feel, flavours of ripe cherries and plum are wrapped up in dried clove characters with toasty cedar and spicy tobacco characters ensuing. Dryish fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of cherries, dried clove, plum, toasty cedar and spicy tobacco.
  Cellar 2-3 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2015 Alamos Malbec

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $15. 99

  Bottle

  $191.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2016-2021)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Alamos is the entry level label for Argentinian giant Catena offering the best of Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards at an incredible price. Grown on foothills of the Andes Mountains at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, the intense sunlight, cool evening temperatures and mineral-rich irrigation from melted mountain snow translates to a rich wine with intense flavour characteristics.

  Totally opaque black dark red colour with a bright dark red black tinged hue. Scented liquorice and black cherry aromas are intermixed with hints of blueberry, incense infusions, scorched earth and spice following on. Surprisingly forward and opulent the palate is decked out with succulent black cherry, blueberry and liquorice flavours over incense infusions and spicy dried herbs. Supple round mouthfeel with velvety tannins and a medium to long aftertaste of black cherries, blueberries, liquorice, incense infusions and spicy dried herbs.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • Reduced

  2022 Alamos Malbec - DAMAGED LABEL

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  Reduced from $21.99

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Alamos is the entry level label for Argentinian giant Catena offering the best of Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards at an incredible price. Grown on foothills of the Andes Mountains at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, the intense sunlight, cool evening temperatures and mineral-rich irrigation from melted mountain snow translates to a rich wine with intense flavour characteristics.
  Inky black heart with a bright dark red black tinged hue. Delightful violet, blueberry, plum and liquorice scents sail from the glass trailed by some dried herb and earthy incense like notes. Rich ripe blueberry, liquorice and plum fruits slide effortlessly across the juicy palate underscored by spicy dried herbs and earthy incense infusions. Polished fine grained tannins. Showing ample freshness it concludes with a gorgeous succulence.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2019 Almaviva Epu

  Valle del Maipo, CHILE

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Almaviva is the ambitious partnership of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild group (Bordeaux) and Viña Concha y Toro (Chile) with the intention of creating a wine of exceptional character, complexity and ageing potential from extraordinary Chilean terroir. Launched with the 1996 vintage, consistent vineyard improvements and meticulous winemaking today mark Almaviva as one of the finest wines produced in Chile. This year we see the release of the second wine from Almaviva, named Epu. With a slightly higher Cabernet component in this wine the feel is more reminiscent of Bordeaux.

  Other Reviews....
  The first truly international release of the second wine is going to be the 2019 Epu, which has changed image and label, looking a little more like Almaviva, and is going to be sold through the Bordeaux négoce. 2019 was a very dry vintage, and the blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Carmenere, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc with slightly higher alcohol than 2018 and with lower acidity, matured in used barriques for one year. In terms of freshness, the wine is quite similar to the 2018 that I tasted next to it, obviously a little younger, quite intense and fruit-driven, spicy and herbal, with a creamy texture and fine-grained tannins. It's a second wine, but they also want to do something different and Epu is perhaps a little more classical, perhaps this is more Bordeaux and Almaviva is more Chilean. 70,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2020 and January 2021. Drink 2021 - 2028.
  93+ points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

  Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and fresh flowers. Very cool and pure. Medium-bodied with fine, linear and very integrated tannins that are compressed and silky-textured. New second wine of Almaviva. Needs time to open. Try after 2024.
  94 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 95

  • Nick's Import

  2019 Almaviva

  Valle de Maipo, CHILE

  $360. 00

  Bottle

  $4320.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Almaviva is the ambitious partnership of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild group (Bordeaux) and Viña Concha y Toro (Chile) with the intention of creating a wine of exceptional character, complexity and ageing potential from extraordinary Chilean terroir. Launched with the 1996 vintage, consistent vineyard improvements and meticulous winemaking today mark Almaviva as one of the finest wines produced in Chile. 2019 Almaviva continues an excellent run of vintages, with the moderately warm year the perfect situation for the Carmenere component.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2019 Almaviva is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenère (from Peumo), 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot, higher in Carmenere and reflecting a warmer and drier vintage when then bottled wine reached 15% alcohol. It fermented with destemmed grapes in stainless steel and matured in French oak barrels, 75% of them new, for 18 months. Here, the Carmenere adds herbal freshness and changes the aromatic profile when compared with the 2019 Epu. 2019 was a good year for Carmenere, which suffers in extremely warm years like 2017, but in moderately warm years like 2019, the variety displays that herbal character and has good density. It's full-bodied and round, with saturated tannins, tasty, spicy and long, with a dry, serious finish. It's balsamic, with notes of camphor and a silky and velvety texture. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021. Drink 2021 - 2030.
  95+ points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

  The aromas of iodine and blackcurrants with roses and lavender make the wine extremely perfumed. It’s full-bodied with a tight, fine-tannined palate that shows linear flow through the center palate. It’s vertical and integrated, adding depth and serious quality to the wine.
  97 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 96

  • Nick's Import

  2018 Almaviva Pre-Arrival Offer

  Valle de Maipo, CHILE

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Almaviva is the ambitious partnership of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild group (Bordeaux) and Viña Concha y Toro (Chile) with the intention of creating a wine of exceptional character, complexity and ageing potential from extraordinary Chilean terroir. Launched with the 1996 vintage, consistent vineyard improvements and meticulous winemaking today mark Almaviva as one of the finest wines produced in Chile. 2018 Almaviva is a product of a near perfect growing season that was long and slow, with the wine showing remarkable balance and freshness. Last year's 2017 release was named as James Suckling's Wine of the Decade, and this 2018 is equally as accomplished.

  Other Reviews....
  This is such a beautifully nuanced red with tobacco, dried herbs, wet earth and currants. Some leather and rose petals, too. Full-bodied and chewy, yet refined with great polish. It’s rich and intense at the same time. Very focused center palate. Broad layers of tannin and fruit. A blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% carmenere, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Better after 2024, but already a joy to taste.
  98 points
  jamessuckling.com

  My last Chile article questioned whether 2018 had been the best vintage of the last 20 years in the country, so I was very curious to taste the 2018 Almaviva. 2018 was a cooler year with more rain and a later budding and ripening of the grapes, especially in a cooler terroir close to the Andes, as is the case with Almaviva. The harvest was slow, as temperatures went down, further increasing the balance between freshness and ripeness of the grapes. The varietal breakdown is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Carmenère (from Peumo), 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The grapes ripened thoroughly, as the 14.9% alcohol of the final blend shows, a little higher than previous years and with similar readings of acidity. The wine feels quite complete and nicely crafted; they use all of their resources and technology to select the perfect grapes that ferment pristinely destemmed and crushed in stainless steel tanks at 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, mostly with selected yeasts. Malolactic was part in barrique and part in tank during the alcoholic fermentation. It matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 73% of them new and the remaining 27% second use. It's a solid, well-built and seamless Almaviva, with clout and balance. 2018 was a more homogeneous vintage, globally considered one of the best in recent times in Chile. They identify a great vintage when they see more homogeneous quality in their different wines, and winemaker Michel Friou explained that this year some wines from three- or four-year-old vines were really good. It feels like a very complete wine, from a year when the seasons were marked and when the plant followed the development with almost textbook conditions—the grapes ripened thoroughly, developing more flavors and nuances while keeping the freshness. This is still a baby, extremely young and creamy, but it is still approachable; there are no edges, but what's remarkable is the balance and stuffing and all the necessary ingredients for a great development in bottle. This is quite different from 2016; it's a vintage with power and clout, a wine that has fruit and intensity and is balanced, without the concentration and tannins of the 2017. It’s a more complete year that combines the finesse of 2016 with more thorough ripeness. The spicy and peppery character comes through with some time in the glass. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled during the last week of January 2020.
  96 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate

  
  

  Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:

  1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
  2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
  3. Once received, all orders will be confirmed with suppliers and then an invoice issued - payment will be due on receipt of this invoice.
  4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in April 2021.
  5. 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.
  6. Errors and omissions excepted.
  7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.

  
  

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 100
  • 94

  • Nick's Import

  2017 Almaviva Red

  Valle de Maipo, CHILE

  $325. 00

  Bottle

  $3900.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Wine of the decade - James Suckling

  Other Reviews....
  2017 was an unusual year—warm and extremely dry, with 178 liters of rain, but there was some rain after the 2016 harvest, so the soil had some water]—and the harvest and the whole cycle were two to three weeks earlier than normal. That is the context for the 2017 Almaviva, whose vines saw extremely low yields (10 hectoliters per hectare in the older parts, 36 hectoliters per hectare in the young vines) and produced concentrated juice. The bottled blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot, quite similar to the 2016, and the alcohol level reached 14.6% with a pH of 3.65 and 4.9 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid). It matured in French oak barriques (825 of them new) for 19 months. It's a riper, rounder and softer vintage, with moderate acidity and a tender mouthfeel, and it is really marked by very high temperatures all year round. They used a little more Petit Verdot in the blend, but there is no over-ripeness. The wine shows some herbal aromas (I really notice the touch of the Carmenère this year). They harvested extremely early (three weeks earlier than normal!) and were able to keep the tension in the wine, and it has a polished mouthfeel and very round tannins. It's a nicely crafted red blend, and they were able to overcome the difficulties of the year; I see the style of something between 2016 and 2015, quite compact. It might require some more bottle age to open up, and it should develop nicely in bottle.
  94+ points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Feb 2020)

  A Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with 23% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot from Puente Alto, Maipo that spent 19 months in French barrels. Reflecting a warm, dry year, the nose presents notes of black currant and raspberry jam, black tea leaves and sweet spices with a touch of kirsch. Gentle on the palate with firm, pleasant tannins, a loose structure, bold flavor and intriguing expression. A hint of menthol makes itself felt at the back of the mouth.
  94 points
  Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous (March 2020)

  The aromas of blackberry leaves and iodine are wild and exotic here with mussel shells and earth underneath. Full-bodied, tight and chewy with powerful tannins that show muscle. It’s structured and powerful. Dense and very, very deep. Don’t touch this until 2025.
  100 points
  JamesSuckling.com (April 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 88

  2014 Altocedro Ano Cero Pinot Noir

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now (2016)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Aged for 10 months in French oak. Semi-translucent rustic red colour with a light brick red hue. Aromas of red cherries, dried cherries and stewed fruits are overlaid by spicy cedar. Supplely textured with flavours of dried cherries and red cherries intermixed with dried herbs, spicy cedar and a touch of leather. Dry finish with soft, finely grained tannins. Aftertaste of dried cherries, dried herbs, spicy cedar and some light leather.
  Drink now.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 86

  2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $22. 99

  Bottle

  $275.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2017-2018)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Very deep dark red black colour with a dark crimson red hue. Aromas of dark cherries overlay toasty cedar, earth and spice. Medium bodied with fruity dark cherry flavours overlaid by prominent toast charred cedar characters with a touch of liquorice, earth and spice following. Fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of toasty cedar, scorched earth and spice. The charry oak is too prominent.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 97
  • 97
  • 98

  • Nick's Import

  2018 Antinori Solaia

  Tuscany, ITALY

  $699. 00

  Bottle

  $8388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Solaia comes from a 50 acre vineyard located on the Antinori Tignanello estate. 2018 Solaia is a year of exceptional purity and elegance for this sometimes overly robust wine, and it easily one of the most engaging releases as a result. The blend this year is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 7% Cabernet Franc.

  Other Reviews....
  The Marchesi Antinori 2018 Solaia reveals a silky and elegant personality, and the wine steps away from some of the more robust fruit weight and dark concentration that we've seen in the past. This elegant vintage prizes fruit purity and focus with black plum, cassis, blue flower, pencil shaving and lots of sweet spice from the oak that recalls clove and toasted almond. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The fruit is harvested at the Antinori family's Tenuta Tignanello at the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. The percentage of Cabernet Franc used in the blend is the ultimate Solaia wild card. In this vintage, the Franc has been increased to 7%, and that number is expected to be even higher in 2019 as the vines get older and the fruit more complex. Production of Solaia is 65,000 bottles in this vintage. This is a beautiful wine, but if pressed I must admit a preference for the 2018 Tignanello (the other celebrated wine crafted at this property). The 2018 Solaia is delicious on all fronts as expected, but the 2018 Tignanello struck at my heart strings. Either way, these are stunning results. Drink 2023 - 2050.
  97+ points
  Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (Aug 2021)

  The 2018 Solaia continues to develop beautifully. Resonant and ample on the palate, with tons of vibrancy, the 2018 offers terrific vibrancy as well as character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, blackberry jam, licorice and spice build as the Solaia gains momentum over time. The 2018 is dense and beautifully layered, yet retains the mid-weight structure of this super elegant vintage. Drink 2026 - 2043.
  98 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Very aromatic and lively on the nose with currants, fresh herbs, white pepper and cherry blossoms. Full-bodied with a vertical, multilayered structure and ultra fine tannins. Velvety texture. Extremely long and focused. Complex and succulent. This is the smallest production of Solaia ever. Great length. This is a beautifully complex red that’s open now, but needs another three to four years to show even more of its excellence.
  97 points
  James Suckling

  From its sloped southwesterly expired position in the sunniest 20-hectare part of Tignanello’s hillside home comes this sunkissed wine bursting with ripe raisins, blackcurrants and cherries. The texture here is so enjoyable but so is the acidity, subtly mouthwatering with creamy touches around the sides. Such depth and elegance, very well constructed, juicy and plush but at the same time this has a quiet personality. A delicious wine, Wait to drink, this has a long life ahead. Drink 2022 - 2033.
  98 points
  Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2017 Arboleda Carmenere

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $22. 99

  Bottle

  $275.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2020-2024)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Arboleda represents the premium tier from the Eduardo Chadwick family of Caliterra wines. Carmenere is capable of producing bold, flavoursome yet balanced and complex wines. Those from the Caliterra stable are stylistically similar, each sharing a complexing dried leaf / tobacco characteristic that overlays the spicy, ripe fruit notes. It's an unmistakable and unique combination that's prompted critics internationally to conclude of Chilean Carmenère: 'When they're good, there's really nothing else quite like it'.

  A delightful expression of Chile’s signature varietal.

  Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of which 40% were new. Superb depth of colour displaying an inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Jumping out of the glass is a complex matrix of ripe blackcurrant, dark cherry, tobacco and subtle bell pepper aromatics trailed by vanillin cedar, faint black olive notes and spicy dried herbs. Medium bodied, refined and very savoury, rich blackcurrant and dark cherry fruits are seamlessly integrated with tobacco, dried herb and spicy cedar elements with a whisper of bell pepper also evident. Showing plenty of finesse it has elegant, velvety tannins and concludes with a long, generously flavoured finish.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews….
  This is how Chilean carmenere should be. Unashamedly herbal with its dark pepper and blackberry-leaf undertones, but ripe at the same time, sporting black-olive and brambleberry character. Shows real structure and concentration on the palate, chewy tannins enveloping dark-fruit flavors that permeate through the medium-long finish. Drink now or hold.
  93 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  • Nick's Import

  2013 Arboleda Syrah

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Aged for 12 months in French barrels, of which 25% were new, 2013 was an exceptional vintage characterized by cooler conditions than the previous season and the historical average that contributed to the fresh flavours of each vineyard.

  Midnight black colour with a very deep black dark red black tinged hue. Scented aromas of blackberry, liquorice and black cherries are followed by some cigar box like characters with spicy pepper end notes. Medium to full bodied the palate possesses a rich core of blackberry, liquorice and black cherry fruit that layers the palate over a backdrop of lightly toasted vanillin cedar and spicy pepper. Quite supple in its mouthfeel with velvet like tannins and a long finish of blackberry, liquorice, black cherry, vanillin cedar, some subtle tobacco infusions and spicy pepper.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc 14%

  Other Reviews…
  A beautiful syrah with spice, meat and dried berry character. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Aged for 12 months in French oak, of which only 25% is new. Lots of intensity. Drink now.
  92 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  • Nick's Import

  2011 Arboleda Syrah

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2019-2020)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  A very interesting alternative to mainstream Australian Shiraz.

  Impenetrable inky black purple core showing superb colour saturation with a dark purple black hue. The nose displays lifted black cherry top notes alongside a touch of liquorice with tobacco like overtones followed by some earthy cedar and spice. Rich and texturally polished the palate possesses a savoury flavour profile of black cherry and liquorice followed by some subtle tobacco like characters, dried meats and spicy cedar. Dryish finish with velvet smooth tannins. Long black cherry, liquorice, dried meats and spicy cedary tobacco aftertaste.
  Limited Stocks. 
  Cellar 5-6 years (2019-2020).
  Alc 14.0%

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 94

  • Nick's Import

  2017 Arboleda Syrah

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Aged in French oak barrels, mostly of second use in order to maintain the integrity of fruit. Totally opaque black dark red core with a deep bright dark red hue. Spicy ripe red plum, dark cherry and red liquorice aromas show good elevation with smoky cedar, meaty notes and peppered herbs following on. Medium to full bodied with an elegant savoury feel, flavours of spicy red plum and liquorice are to the fore with underlying elements of subtlety smoked meats, spicy vanillin cedar and peppered herbs. Smooth, finely grained tannins. Good freshness and length with a medium to long conclusion.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews….
  Dark plums and morello cherries combine with fresher nuances of blueberries and violets, as well as dark chocolate, vanilla and cloves on the nose. Lots of minerally undertones, too. Wonderful acidity/fruit tension to this on the palate with a really round core of dark fruit, bolstered by foursquare tannins. Chewy on the rather long finish. Drink in 2023.
  94 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  • Nick's Import

  2013 Arboleda Carmenere

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Arboleda' represents the premium tier from the Eduardo Chadwick family of wines. Carmenere is capable of producing bold, flavoursome yet balanced and complex wines. Those from the Caliterra stable are stylistically similar, each sharing a complexing dried leaf / tobacco characteristic that overlays the spicy, ripe fruit notes. It's an unmistakable and unique combination that's prompted critics internationally to conclude of Chilean Carmenère: 'When they're good, there's really nothing else quite like it'.

  Elegance meets richness in this medium to full bodied, yet light on its feet Carmenere

  An exceptional vintage 2013 was characterized by cooler than normal conditions which allowed the fruit to have a slow and long ripening process. Totally opaque black crimson red colour with a very dark crimson red hue. Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, black cherry and liquorice are intermixed with cedary cigar box characters, tobacco and spice. Rich, velvety textured flavours of ripe blackcurrant, black cherry and liquorice elegantly weave their way across the palate intermixing with nuances of cedary tobacco characters, faint black olive, earth and spice along the way. Dryish finish. Very fine grained, velvet like tannins are perfectly integrated. Excellent length with a long conclusion of blackcurrant, subtle liquorice, black cherries and spicy cedary tobacco characters.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 14%

  Other Reviews…
  A firm and tangy carmenere with dried berry, spice and rose petal character. Full body, round tannins and a fresh finish. It's it solid and tight with pretty fruit. Takes on a stone and mineral character. Aged for 12 months in French oak, all used except for 35%. Drink now.
  93 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 91
  • 92

  • Nick's Import

  2018 Arboleda Pinot Noir

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2022-2023)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Aged in French oak mostly of second and third use. Deep bright dark red colour with black tinged edges and a vibrant purple red hue. Aromas of spicy ripe cherries and strawberries delicately infused with clove are followed by traces of forest floor. Light weight, youthful and juicy, the cherry and ripe strawberry fruit has a vibrant feel to it. Subtle vanillin cedar, dried herbs and spicy forest floor elements are also evident. Finishes with a lick of fresh acidity, fine grained tannins and a medium powered aftertaste.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews…..
  I love the pomegranate character here and how it intermingles with fresh tea leaves and undergrowth. Medium body with a cool-fruited core of berries, interlaced with firm tannins and culminating in a tangy finish. Drink now.
  92 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 92
  • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2015 Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black dark red colour with a bright dark red hue. Initial red currant and mulberry aromas are overlaid by tobacco and dried herb notes with spicy vanillin cedar ensuing. Medium bodied the palate has flavours of blackcurrant infused with black olives followed by cedary tobacco characters and spicy dried herb nuances. Dry finish with sturdy, slightly chalky tannins. Aftertaste of ripe mulberries, black olive, cedary tobacco characters and spicy dried herbs.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 14%
  

  Other Reviews….
  Pretty currant, cedar, and tobacco character to this. Medium body, chewy and tannic with juicy finish. Needs two or three years to soften. Drink now.
  91 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  • Nick's Import

  2012 Arboleda Syrah

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  An excellent Syrah that has an elegant like opulence

  Totally opaque black crimson colour with a deep dark crimson red black tinged hue. Excellent aromatics with lifted blackberry and liquorice scents followed by more subtle black cherry notes, a hint of tobacco and spicy vanillin cedar. Rich blackberry and liquorice flavours swamp the palate with underlying black cherry, spicy vanillin cedar and blackpepper. Slightly dryish finish with velvet like tannins. Possessing an elegant like opulence the wine concludes with a long finish of liquorice, blackberries, black cherries, spicy vanillin cedar and pepper. Limited stocks.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2016 Arboleda Carmenere

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2024-2025)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Arboleda represents the premium tier from the Eduardo Chadwick family of Caliterra wines. Carmenere is capable of producing bold, flavoursome yet balanced and complex wines. Those from the Caliterra stable are stylistically similar, each sharing a complexing dried leaf / tobacco characteristic that overlays the spicy, ripe fruit notes. It's an unmistakable and unique combination that's prompted critics internationally to conclude of Chilean Carmenère: 'When they're good, there's really nothing else quite like it'.

  Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new. Midnight black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Elevated aromas of red to blackcurrants combine with the varietals classic tobacco leaf characteristic followed by dusty vanillin cedar, dried herbs, a faint whiff of red bell pepper and spice. Medium bodied, elegant and supple in its feel the palate is filled with rich red to black currant fruit which meld into elements of tobacco, spicy vanillin cedar and dried herbs. Finely tuned with seamlessly integrated tannins. Excellent concentration and length finishing with a long savoury aftertaste.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews….
  This is a very distinctive carmenere with a lot of Mediterranean herbs, roasted red bell peppers and black tea. Very bright and rather mineral in spite of the density. Restrained tannins for this variety. Drink or hold.
  93 points
  JamesSuckling.com
  
  Plush, rounded and soft with a complex toasty nose. The palate is most elegant with nice layers of fruit, herbs, tobacco spice and pencil shavings, followed by a long, elegant finish. Balanced to a tee and overall a really good juicy and textured example of this cultivar.
  95 points
  Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 92

  • Nick's Import

  2015 Arboleda Carmenere

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Arboleda represents the premium tier from the Eduardo Chadwick family of Caliterra wines. Carmenere is capable of producing bold, flavoursome yet balanced and complex wines. Those from the Caliterra stable are stylistically similar, each sharing a complexing dried leaf / tobacco characteristic that overlays the spicy, ripe fruit notes. It's an unmistakable and unique combination that's prompted critics internationally to conclude of Chilean Carmenère: 'When they're good, there's really nothing else quite like it'.

  Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 10% of which were new. Superb depth of colour displaying an impenetrable black as night core with a very deep bright dark red black hue. Sniffing reveals aromatics of ripe blackcurrants and a hint of liquorice infused with cedary tobacco characters. Traces of dusty earth and spicy dried herbs following on. Elegant yet possessing abundant rich blackcurrant fruit the palate also features nuances of inky liquorice, cedary tobacco infusions, subtle dried herbs and spice. Finishes dry with a youthful restraint and fine grained yet slightly dryish tannins. Long, quite refined aftertaste of blackcurrant, subtle cedary tobacco characters, dried herbs and spice.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 14%

  Other Reviews….
  Layered and rich with lots of fruit and a pretty dry finish. Full body, ripe tannins and a firm and focused finish. Bright and pretty. Drink or hold.
  92 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2013 Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black crimson red colour with a dark crimson black hue. Aromas of blackcurrant are overlaid by a strong cedary tobacco component followed by some black olive, mulberry and spice. On the palate the cedary tobacco characters are again quite prominent with blackcurrant, black olive and spice also evident. Dryish finsh with solidly built but fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of cedary cigar box, tobacco, blackcurrant, black olive and spice. The cedary cigar box characters will be a touch too prominent for some.
  Cellar 4-5 years.
  Alc 14%

  Other Reviews….
  A fine expression of cabernet sauvignon with a dash of cabernet franc that shows mint, spearmint and black currant character. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. This shows impressive length and balance. Aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak. Drink or hold.
  93 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  • Nick's Import

  2014 Arboleda Carmenere

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Arboleda' represents the premium tier from the Eduardo Chadwick family of wines. Carmenere is capable of producing bold, flavoursome yet balanced and complex wines. Those from the Caliterra stable are stylistically similar, each sharing a complexing dried leaf / tobacco characteristic that overlays the spicy, ripe fruit notes. It's an unmistakable and unique combination that's prompted critics internationally to conclude of Chilean Carmenère: 'When they're good, there's really nothing else quite like it'.

  This brilliantly crafted Carmenere combines the refined elegance of Bordeaux with a good dose of new world richness

  Magnificent impenetrable inky black core with a very deep dark purple black tinged hue. Pronounced aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry and liquorice are overlaid by subtle tobacco and cedar characters followed by faint dusty earth and spice end notes. Rich blackcurrant, black cherry, blackberry and subtle liquorice flavours flood the palate with cedary tobacco infusions adding interest and complexity but take a back seat to the concentrated fruit. Nuances of dried herbs and spice follow on. Solidly built but very finely grained tannins complete the picture with a long conclusion of spicy ripe blackcurrant, black cherry, a hint of liquorice and cedary tobacco characters.
  Cellar 5-6 years
  Alc 14%

  Other Reviews…
  A solid carmenere with dried blackberry, sweet herb, and stone aromas. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a fruity finish. Hints of chocolate. Drink now.
  92 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 94

  • Nick's Import

  2014 Arboleda Syrah

  Aconcagua Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Superb depth of colour displaying an impenetrable black as night core with a very deep bright dark red black tinged hue. Aromas of dark cherries and liquorice infused with black olives overlay some spicy cedary tobacco leaf characters and pepper. Medium to full bodied the palate possesses good richness with blackberry, liquorice and black olive flavours melding into some cedary tobacco and pepper characters. Dryish finish with fine grained, slightly grippy tannins. Aftertaste of blackberry, liquorice, subtle black olives, cedary tobacco characters and spicy pepper.
  Cellar 4-5 years.
  Alc 14%

  Other Reviews….
  Fantastic aromas of blackberry, stone, and licorice follow through to a full body that shows balance and finesse. The texture is fantastic. So polished and compacted. Drink now.
  94 points
  James Suckling

  Delivery Information
• • 79

  2014 Aresti Special Release Reserva Pinot Noir

  Casablanca Valley, CHILE

  $22. 99

  Bottle

  $275.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now (2017)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Semi translucent dark red colour with a brick red hue. On the nose aromas of toast, dried clove and other spicy dried herbs overlay earthy cedar. The fruit has seemingly already dried out leaving flavours of dried clove, dried cherries and other bitter herbs followed by some scorched earth. Dry bitter finish with a modest aftertaste of bitter herbs, dried clove and scorched earth.
  Pass.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 83

  2014 Aresti Espiritu de Chile Pinot Noir

  Casablanca Valley, CHILE

  $14. 99

  Bottle

  $179.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now (2017)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent dark red colour with a brick red hue. Aromas of spicy dried herbs and subtle red cherries are followed by earthy cedar. Soft mellow palate with red cherry flavours overlaid by spicy dried herb and tobacco infusions. Some earthy toasted cedar characters ensuing. Soft tannins. Dry finish with a moderate aftertaste of red cherries, prominent spicy dried herbs, tobacco and earthy toasted cedar. A very herby Pinot.
  Drink now.
  Alc 13%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2015 Aresti Espiritu de Chile Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

  Curico Valley, CHILE

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Produced from predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with a mix of other varieties making up the remaining 15%, the wine was matured for approximately 12 months in oak. Totally opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Scents of blackcurrant and mulberry are overlaid by tobacco infusions, toasty cedar and spice. Medium bodied the palate has ample blackcurrant and mulberry fruit richness overshadowing a backdrop of cedary tobacco characters and spice. Well integrated finely grained tannins. Concludes with an aftertaste of spicy blackcurrants, mulberries and cedary tobacco characters.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2016 Aresti Espiritu de Chile Carmenere

  Central Valley, CHILE

  $14. 99

  Bottle

  $179.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2019-2020)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Opaque dark red black tinged colour with a bright dark red hue. Inky blackcurrant and mulberry scents run into some dusty cedar, tobacco and spice notes. Medium bodied the palate possesses juicy blackcurrant and dark cherry flavours with cedary tobacco infusions and spice also present. Soft fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of dusty blackcurrant, mulberries, cedary tobacco characters and spice.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 13%

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2014 Aresti Trisquel Cabernet Sauvignon

  Colchagua Valley, CHILE

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2023-2025)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black crimson red colour with a bright dark red black tinged hue. Aromas of blackcurrant intermingle with hints of liquorice and black olive over vanillin cedar, tobacco and spice. Elegant and structured with a presently restrained richness, the palate has flavours of blackcurrant infused with black olive followed by cigar box, earth and spice. Dry dusty tannins firm up the finish. Aftertaste of blackcurrant, black olive, earthy cigar box and spice.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc 14%

  Delivery Information
• • 89

  2001 Aresti Family Collection 13 Years Aged Cabernet Sauvignon

  Curico Valley, CHILE

  $44. 99

  Bottle

  $539.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now (2017)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black dark red core with a deep very dark red hue. Nosing yields potent aromas of ripe blackcurrant infused with earthy black olives over cigar box, a hint of old leather and spice. Medium bodied the rich blackcurrant fruit on the front palate is overwhelmed by tertiary characters of earth, cigar box, leather and spice and dry assertive tannins. Dry earthy leather aftertaste with traces of blackcurrant and spicy cigar box also evident.
  Drink now.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2012 Aruma Malbec

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $13. 99

  Bottle

  $167.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2015-2020)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Synthetic Cork

  This wine is produced from 100% Malbec – Argentina’s signature varietal in a joint venture between Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Nicolas Catena. Originally from France, Malbec was introduced to Argentina by a Frenchman, Jean Pouget, in 1868. A very fruity, exuberant and powerful grape, Malbec has adapted wonderfully to the Mendoza region where the sunshine and cool nights soften its tannins and reveal its velvety texture.
  
  Opaque black dark red colour with a dark crimson red hue. Aromas of dark cherries and blackcurrants are followed by some cedary tobacco characters with spice end notes. Medium bodied and possessing excellent richness, the wine has developed some more complexity and savoury tones over the last 12 months having lost it’s youthful inky characters. Generous flavours of ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries are prevalent over some cedary tobacco characters and spice. Very fine grained tannins. Good length with a medium to long aftertaste of blackcurrant, dark cherries, cedar, subtle earth and spice. Drinking well now it will only get better over the next 4-5 years.
  
  
  First Tasted January 2013
  Opaque black dark purple colour with dark purple hue. The nose opens with ripe blackberry and dark cherry aromas followed by some liquorice, inky earth like characters and spice. Medium to full bodied the palate is bursting with succulent joosy flavours of dark cherries and dark plums with a touch of liquorice also present alongside some underlying earth and spice. Dryish finish with solid but fine grained tannins. Long joosy aftertaste of ripe dark cherries, liquorice, earth and spice.
  Cellar 3-4 years (2017-2018).
  Alc 14.0%

  Delivery Information
• • 90

  2015 Barricas del Plata Malbec

  Mendoza, ARGENTINA

  $23. 99

  Bottle

  $287.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2019-2020)

  ABV: 13.4%

  Closure: Synthetic Cork

  Deep dark red colour with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. The nose displays good aromatic lift with black cherry and hints of liquorice overlaid by violets followed by traces of scorched earth and spice. Light to medium weight the palate has fruity dark to black cherry flavours over some dried herb infusions, subtle vanillin cedar and spice. Slightly dryish but otherwise fine grained tannins. The acidity still has a youthful brightness to it with an aftertaste of dark to black cherries, a hint of liquorice, dried herbs and spicy cedar.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc 13.4%

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 96

  • Biodynamic
  • Limit One per customer

  2021 Bodega Chacra Treinta Y Dos Pinot Noir

  Patagonia, ARGENTINA

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bodega Chacra was formed in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the grandson of Sassicaia’s founder, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Piero always wanted to do his own thing independent of family ties, and in 2004 he heard about an abandoned Pinot vineyard in Patagonia that was originally planted in 1932 and knew immediately it was the opportunity he had been looking for. And so began what is now Bodega Chacra, generally recognised as the greatest Pinot Noir produced in South America. Over time another vineyard from 1955 was added, while a conversation between friends has turned into a partnership with esteemed Burgundian Chardonnay producer Jean-Marc Roulot joining Piero in Patagonia in planting, farming, and vinification of Chardonnay at Chacra.

  Located in the Rio Negro Valley in northern Patagonia, Argentina, Bodega Chacra is comprised of 24 hectares of vineyards planted mainly to Pinot Noir, along with a small amount of Chardonnay. Piero also values responsible farming as demonstrated by his grandfather at Sassicaia, and each of the vineyards are tended using organic and biodynamic principles. After hand harvesting, the fruit is handled the gentlest way possible, with movements transferred by gravity, fermentation occurring in concrete, minimal new oak usage, and no fining or filtration at bottling. Piero's aim is to retain greater purity and transparency, and it's this ability for his wines to so clearly express their origin that's so engaging with Chacra wines. It's also one of the key attributes that only the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay across the globe are able to achieve.

  Treinta y Dos is a single vineyard wine, made from old vineyards planted in 1932 on a land layered with clay, sand and pebbles. The most structured of all Chacra’s wines, Chacra Treinta y Dos is meant to be aged. Its soft characteristics and velvety tannins, however, make it drinkable at a younger age. Limit 1 bottle per customer.

  Other Reviews....
  Pomegranate, wild herbs and lots of fresh raspberries to the nose. Subtle, pure and tense with a fine austerity to the center-palate. Refined and medium-bodied on the palate. Nothing conspicuous here. Intense but slim and everything is well-hidden. Drink now or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.
  97 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  From 1932 plantings, hence the name.
  A bit reduced and smoky to start. Spicy, dark cherry, ferrous, perfumed under the sullen introduction. Intense, purple tasting wine, crushed rock, texture is a highlight, and it’s dense but not heavy, which I feel is an attribute of many a great wine. Red fruits and cool acidity on a very long finish. So distinctive. Needs some time, but such a terrific wine. Drink 2025 - 2035+.
  96+ points
  Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 93
  • 92

  • Biodynamic

  2021 Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir

  Patagonia, ARGENTINA

  $66. 99

  Bottle

  $803.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Bodega Chacra was formed in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the grandson of Sassicaia’s founder, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Piero always wanted to do his own thing independent of family ties, and in 2004 he heard about an abandoned Pinot vineyard in Patagonia that was originally planted in 1932 and knew immediately it was the opportunity he had been looking for. And so began what is now Bodega Chacra, generally recognised as the greatest Pinot Noir produced in South America.

  Over time another vineyard from 1955 was added along with more plantings. Vineyards are tended using organic and biodynamic principles. The old vines are planted on their own rootstocks, producing tiny bunches with incredibly concentrated flavours. Fruit is hand harvested, fermented in concrete, transferred by gravity and treated in the gentlest way possible without fining or filtration in order to produce wines with transparency.

  Barda hails mostly from ungrafted vines that are 25 years old, along with fruit from the 1955 and 1932 vineyard. Maturation is completed 60% in concrete to enhance the fresh and crunchy nature of this Pinot Noir.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2021 Barda has moderate ripeness and alcohol (12.5%) while retaining very good freshness. After fermenting with some 15% full clusters in concrete with indigenous yeasts, 60% of the volume matured in French oak barrels (10% of them new), usually the more structured lots, while the rest was kept in concrete (the lighter lots) to keep the freshness and crunchiness of Pinot Noir. It was conceived as an easy-to-drink wine from their younger vines, but it has more depth than just that and it's quite versatile with food. 2021 was a cooler year, with frost in the winter that killed all the bugs, and they had a good crop (they usually get 35 to 50 hectoliters per hectare, maybe a little higher for Barda). It's fresh, vertical and mineral with a saline twist that is more noticeable with lower alcohol. It's the same genetic material as the rest, a massal selection planted ungrafted with some 20 years of age, and he sometimes gets declassified grapes or wines from the older vineyards (Cincuenta y Cinco and Treinta y Dos). This is the true second wine from Chacra. It has a pale and bright ruby color and a very clean and expressive nose, with some leafy notes, red fruit, hints of orange peel and a vibrant palate with purity of flavors, young and energetic. Piero Incisa told me this vintage reminds him of 2013; so, I looked up my description of that wine, and it is quite similar to this. Delicious and amazing value. A perfect introduction to Chacra... 70,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2022. Drink 2022 - 2027.
  93+ points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Dec 2022)

  This has aromas of currants, blueberries, cherry blossom, brewed tea, seashells and seaweed. Medium-bodied with very sleek tannins. Savory and succulent with excellent freshness. Hints of cocoa and tea at the end. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.
  93 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Cherry, rhubarb, slightly floral, with a distinct oysters shell/briny thing happening, a dusting of cinnamon. Medium-bodied, raspberry, poached strawberry and cherry, saline, quite soft in the mouth with gentle stony tannin and quiet acidity, but does have a little sappiness and a finish of solid length, with a savoury and amaro aftertaste. It doesn’t have the cut and intensity of the more expensive Pinot Noir offerings from this producer, but it’s still a lovely thing to drink. Drink 2022 - 2026.
  92 points
  Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 99
  • 96

  • Biodynamic

  2021 Bodega Chacra Cincuenta Y Cinco Pinot Noir

  Patagonia, ARGENTINA

  $115. 00

  Bottle

  $1380.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bodega Chacra was formed in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the grandson of Sassicaia’s founder, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Piero always wanted to do his own thing independent of family ties, and in 2004 he heard about an abandoned Pinot vineyard in Patagonia that was originally planted in 1932 and knew immediately it was the opportunity he had been looking for. And so began what is now Bodega Chacra, generally recognised as the greatest Pinot Noir produced in South America.

  Over time another vineyard from 1955 was added along with more plantings. Vineyards are tended using organic and biodynamic principles. The old vines are planted on their own rootstocks, producing tiny bunches with incredibly concentrated flavours. Fruit is hand harvested, fermented in concrete, transferred by gravity and treated in the gentlest way possible without fining or filtration in order to produce wines with transparency.

  Cincuenta y Cinco comes from vineyards planted in 1955 which gently rest on a sea of pebbles, typical in riverbed soils. It is fermented whole cluster at very low temperatures, enhancing the floral characteristics of the wine. Cincuenta y Cinco has the highest amount of tension of all the Chacra wines while it still retains a comfortable ease.

  Other Reviews....
  The élevage for the 2021 Cincuenta y Cinco was different from the past; they have now aged 40% in concrete tanks (it used to be 25%), 40% in French oak barrels and 20% in clay amphorae for nine months. They use cover crops in the vineyard, where they don't even use sulfur or copper. It fermented in a round and wide concrete vat with indigenous yeasts for 12 to 15 days with full clusters and an infusion with little extraction. It has moderate ripeness and 12% alcohol, with more tension than the others. This is basically the same wine as the Sin Azufre but with a little more oak, which is barely noticeable but with some spiciness and Burgundian character developing tantalizing notes of violet pastille with time in the glass. It has a bright ruby color and a complex and subtle nose full of elegance and nuance. The palate is medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and supple flavors, primary, young and apparently weightless and ethereal but full of inner energy. It has bright flavors of fresh cherries and raspberries and a citrus twist of orange peel that adds freshness. Gobsmacking! 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2021. Drink 2022 - 2034.
  99 points
  Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Dec 2022)

  Perfumed and floral aromas of rose petals, rose hips, wild strawberries, raspberries, sliced mushrooms and orange zest. Bright and succulent with a medium body and very fine, firm tannins. Delightful citrus and crunchy red-fruit character with pretty rose-petal notes throughout. Drink from 2024. From biodynamically grown grapes.
  98 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  From vines planted in 1955 on a sea of pebbles. Bam bam.
  Raspberry, dried cherry, a little aniseed and floral top note, distinctly steely too. Medium-bodied, slightly sappy red fruits, chalky and stony, a little game meat and juniper, so bright and packed with energy, and a pebble and dried herb finish of excellent length. Brisk, fresh, charismatic, and dynamic. Less oak than the Trienta y Dos and maybe better for that in a way. Great Pinot Noir, from south of the border! Drink 2023 - 2030+.
  96 points
  Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

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