Podere Le Ripi Amore e Follia 2018

Bordeaux AOC, France Expressive nose of ripe red fruits (plums, ripe cassis …), spices and with an elegant touch of new oak.  On the palate, the wine is immediately harmonious and seductive with velvety ripe-fruit flavours wonderfully cradled by the new–oak.  Medium bodied with ripe tannins and a savoury finish. Blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest is done 100% by hand. Traditional vinification in stainless steel and temperature-controlled vats.  Ageing in oak barrels for 6 to 8 months.

Marking the warmest year since 2008, the 2015 growing season set a record for early bloom. Drought conditions persisted, and rainfall was erratic, with most of the much-needed rain falling at the end of the previous year and supplemented by only a single storm in February, which was enough water to sustain the vines. Cooler conditions during flowering ultimately lead to a smaller number of berries on each cluster and lower than average yields. Warm summer months led to advanced veraison, which was followed by perfect ripening conditions. Harvest began on September 1 with short pauses; heat spells and continued warmth allowed for the berries to be steadily picked at their ideal maturity. The harvest was completed on October 8. Initial dark fruit, spice and baking aromas in the 2015 Opus One are interwoven with seductive notes of violet, black tea, and sage. The entry is vibrant with ripe dark fruit flavors of plum, blackberry and blueberry followed by hints of vanilla and cocoa. Silky, fine-grained tannins provide structure and a creamy texture. The wine finishes with fresh acidity and a rich, lingering finish that promises longevity in the cellar. Varietal : Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 6%, Petit Verdot 4%, Malbec 2%      

Apalta - Colchagua Valley, Chile Red fruit aromas, with cedar and boldo notes. On the palate it is fresh and fruity, with flavors of cherry and hints of pepper and rosemary. Silky, with velvety tannins and great mouthfeel. There was little rainfall during the season, concentrated in the winter months. Temperatures rose significantly near the end of spring, with record high temperatures, and the beginning of harvest was unusually early. The grapes were harvested with optimum ripeness, giving way to wines of great concentration and flavor intensity, and excellent balance between acidity and tannins.