VIÑA VIK | A | Millahue | 2020
cabernet sauvignon | carmenère

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Alexander Vik had a dream: to create the best wine in the World. To turn vision into reality, the research team took more than 4000 soil samples and investigated all the elements of terroir – they performed soil analyses, hydric flows, thermal amplitude, geographic orientation and the region’s unusual wind conditions. The vineyard’s location was selected only after two years of scientific research, after they identified the ideal terroir – the Millahue Valley of Chile. The next step was the mapping of the best plots for planting – first, for each plot the research team mapped the rootstocks, then the grape varieties, then the clones of each variety, because after all, if you dream to make the best wine in the world, you can not leave anything to chance.

The wine that we are going to review today hardly requires any introduction, as this is one of the most recognizable wine labels from Cachapoal Valley of Chile – “A” | Millahue 2020 by Viña Vik. The “A” is meant as an introduction to the more complex Milla Cala – a Bordeaux-styled wine blend, made from the best grapes of VIK‘s unique terroir. Although technically this wine is a blend of two grape varieties, cabernet sauvignon (85%) and carmenère (15%), it is conceived as a new-age cabernet sauvignon wine, with power and structure which will help it to age gracefully in the cellar, but it also has that vibrant juicy fruit profile and smooth mouthfeel to enable it to be also enjoyed while young. Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all over the world in a wide range of climates and regions and it can produce wines that are very high in tannins and acidity, that can mature and develop for many years in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a late ripening grape variety, which means that it is best suited for warm climates, where it is capable to produce wines that can reach into realms of perfection, where they are rarely followed. The grapes for this wine has been sourced from the estate’s best vineyards (Los Almendros, Cerro Al Medio and Los Lazos), planted on deep, porous and well-drained, decomposed granitic soil in the Millahue Valley of Cachapoal Valley. In order to soften the tannins and gain extra complexity, the final blend has been aged for 18 months in french oak barriques. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: medium-deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy & noble ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced | savory
fruit character: ripe

This wine offers an intriguing olfactory experience from the first nose, where the ripe fruit character immediately captivates the attention, supported by very appealing, savory-earthy undertones. Notes of old leather, iron and veal intertwine with the mesmerizing, terroir-driven essence of marl, loam and clay, creating a delicate and rustic charm. Notes of cranberry, redcurrant, black plum and black cherry further enhance the wine’s aromatic complexity. The background reveals delightful spicy and dusty notes, that are complemented by subtle hints of dried herbs, bay leaf and cloves. Well integrated notes of sun-dried oak and hints of vanilla add depth, while a touch of barnyard and forest floor evoke a sense of indigeneity.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp

This wine is a true delight, showcasing a captivating combination of ripe red and black fruits with earthy-savory nuances. The wine’s palate is characterized by vibrant acidity, that adds freshness, complemented by silky tannins, that provide a smooth and elegant texture on the mouthfeel and a just touch of well-integrated alcoholic warmth, that enhances the overall wine’s complexity. This wine feels round, ample and voluptuous, exhibiting a well-structured profile and a velvety-crisp aftertaste. This wine manages to highlight the genuine expression of a classic, chilean cabernet sauvignon and to deliver that rustic delicacy of the local terroir.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or age for at least 2 or 3 more years
verdict: great | a must try wine

All in all, this wine is an absolute delight, embodying all the qualities of a well-crafted, terroir-driven wine from Chile. It showcases an ample, voluptuous,and round mouthfeel that caresses the palate with its velvety and silky textures. The wine’s rustic and savory-earthy profile add some much desired, delicate complexity, revealing its true nature. This is a textbook chilean red wine, that managed to successfully deliver the unique expression of the local terroir. With its well-structured character and harmonious balance between all its elements, this wine delivers a truly genuine tasting experience – a testament to the winemaker’s craftsmanship, offering an enjoyable journey for any wine enthusiasts, that are looking for a delicate but sophisticated red wine.

//Scoring
VIÑA VIK | A | Millahue | 2020
variety: cabernet sauvignon | carmenère
country: Chile
region: Cachapoal | Millahue
rating: 93.7
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This is definitely a great wine of Chile and, with a total of 93.7 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s ample and voluptuous character, we believe it will pair lovely with a rustic and delicate dish that will complement the wine’s velvety textures and savory-earthy profile, like for example a Tournedos Rossini with seared foie gras or a peppercorn filet mignon steak. The richness and soft textures of the tender meat will beautifully harmonize with the wine’s voluptuous and round mouthfeel, while the earthy notes in the wine will be beautifully enhanced by the umami flavors of the beef. This pairing will create a truly memorable dining experience, where the rustic charm of the meat will intertwine gracefully with the supple elegance of the wine, thus creating a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will be hard to resist. Enjoy!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.