VIÑA EL PRINCIPAL | Memorias | 2018
cabernet sauvignon | syrah | cabernet franc | petit verdot

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Today we are are going to review a quite intriguing wine blend from Maipo Andes Valley, which is one of Chile‘s most famous wine regions – Memorias 2018 by Viña El Principal. This wine represents the union of grapes, sourced from sandy, well-draining alluvial soils that are rich in gravel at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. On the label, the spiral of life signifies the cycle of life and the everlasting evolution. The vineyards from which the grapes were sourced are located at 750-900 meters altitude in the town of Pirque in the Alto Maipo Valley of Chile. This wine is a harmonious blend of four grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon (75%), syrah (15%), cabernet franc (6%) and petit verdot (4%), where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, syrah is all about spice and black fruit flavors, cabernet franc builds a more refined mid-palate and brings those famous dusty hints of local terroir, whereas petit verdot offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish and brings extra complexity to the final blend. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 18 months in french oak barrels, from which 30% new oak. 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
color: deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | ruby shades

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

On the first nose, this wine unveils a pronounced savory character that immediately captures attention. The foreground is dominated by a burst of ripe black fruit aromas, reminiscent of black plums, dark cherries and blackcurrants. These primary fruit notes are complemented by intriguing savory notes of brown olive, iron and veal. In the background, a subtle earthiness emerges, with hints of freshly tilled soil, forest floor and pencil lead. This earthiness adds complexity and keeps the fruit from feeling one-dimensional. In between the two layers hints of toasted oak, peppercorn and tobacco emerge, thus adding even more sophistication on the aromatic profile.

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

The palate mirrors the nose, offering a wave of ripe black fruit flavors that echo the aromas of dark cherries and plums. Earthy and savory notes emerge here as well, building a complex character that complements the fruit without overpowering it. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, complemented by a well integrated alcoholic warmth. The tannins are ripe and silky and feel surprisingly smooth, leaving a lingering soft grip on the mouthfeel. The palate thus is round, ample and voluptuous, suggesting a well-structured and nicely-balanced red wine.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a textbook chilean wine blend, where all the wine’s elements seem to be perfectly integrated, creating a harmonious and complex wine tasting experience. The mouthfeel is round and ample, contributing to the overall sense of richness and velvetiness. This is a well-crafted wine blend that showcases the Maipo’s region’s ability to produce high-quality, terroir-driven wines that are backed by an expressive fruit character and intriguing, savory complexity.

//Scoring
VIÑA EL PRINCIPAL | Memorias | 2018
variety: cabernet sauvignon | syrah | cabernet franc | petit verdot
country: Chile
region: Maipo Andes Valley
rating: 94.7
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This is definitely a great wine of Chile and, with a total of 94.7 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: Judging by the wine’s savory character, balanced by rich black fruits and spicy notes, along with its harmonious and complex structure, we believe it would be best suited for a rich and flavorful dishes that can stand up to the wine’s sophistication, like for example grilled lamb chops with a chimichurri sauce. The richness of the lamb would complement the wine’s ample body and its silky tannins, while the savory elements of the chimichurri sauce would echo the earthy notes in the wine. On the textural plane, the wine’s bright acidity would cut through the richness of the lamb fat, creating a balanced and harmonious interplay of flavors and textures. This pairing would allow the wine’s expressiveness and sophistication to shine through, while the richness of the lamb and the savory elements of the chimichurri would provide a the much-desired counter-balance. 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.