Baronesa P., Maipo Valley

Baronesa P. is a selection of our finest micro-terroirs, selected over a period of several years based on our experience and understanding of these soils and vineyards, as well as the use of sensors to measure the electrical conductivity of the soil. Over many years and after producing countless batches, we refined our selection to create this cuvée in honor of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah grow in a Mediterranean climate greatly influenced by the cold air that comes down from the Andes Mountains at night, cooling the valley all year round, but especially during the summer months. This means diurnal and nocturnal temperatures vary significantly, a highly favorable characteristic for the maturation of Cabernet and Syrah. Carmenere and Petit Verdot also grow in a Mediterranean climate, but here the average temperature is 1ºC higher than in the Cabernet and Syrah vineyards, which allows each variety to reach optimal ripeness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah grow in well-balanced alluvial soils rich in pebbles, with a silty-sandy-clay to silty-clay texture, and bedrock at a depth of 3.0 meters below the surface. The vineyards were planted in 1997, 2003, and 2009. The Carmenere and Petit Verdot vineyards were planted in 1998 in deep clay soils, which favor a smooth, elegant tannic structure. TASTING NOTES: The color is intense, deep ruby-red with violet highlights. The nose, intense and potent on the nose, revealing black fruit aromas with predominant notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry. Spices such as black pepper gradually come to the fore, mingled with subtle aromas of cedarwood, vanilla, caramel, and toasted hazelnuts imparted by oak ageing. Palate starts out potent and complex on the palate with good concentration and volume, accompanied by elegantly structured and wonderfully ripe tannins. Nicely balanced mid-palate with a natural freshness that brings out a complex aromatic expression where wild blueberry and blackberry notes elegantly intertwine with Asian spices like Sichuan pepper and a hint of toffee. Long, well-balanced and concentrated on the finish, with lingering aromas of black fruit, marking a return to peppery notes and toasted almond notes. The exceptionally persistent finish combines power and elegance, accounting for this wine's excellent ageing potential. HARVEST: from April 05 to May 15 GRAPE VARIETAL: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon 9% Carmenere 5,5% Petit Verdot 5% Cabernet Franc 4,5% Syrah AGEING: 14 months in French oak, 65% new and 35% 1-year-old barrels 97 PTS. James Suckling