VIÑA VIK | A | Millahue | 2021
carmenère | cabernet sauvignon | syrah

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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 exhaustive scientific research, after they identified the ideal terroir from which to grow the finest grapes – 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, 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 2021 by Viña Vik. The “A” range is conceived as an introduction to the more complex Milla Cala wine – a Bordeaux-styled wine blend, made from the best grapes of VIK‘s unique terroir. Although technically this wine is a blend of three grape varieties, carmenère (85%), cabernet sauvignon (10%) and syrah (5%), it is conceived as a new-age carmenère wine, with finesse 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.

Carmenère is a french grape variety that has excelled to a completely new levels in Chile, which is now considered its new homeland. This is a variety that needs a long and sunny growing season, as it can struggle to fully ripen in all but the warmest of climates. If harvested when the grapes are not fully ripe, it may result in wines with a pungent herbaceous character and bitter tannins. Carmenère wines also contains higher levels of pyrazines – an aroma compounds that is also found in cabernet franc grapes, that enhances the wines with flavours of capsicum and green peppercorn. 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, and, in order to soften the tannins and gain a layer of extra complexity, the final blend has been aged for 18 months in french oak barriques, which provide the wine’s distinctive essence.

The Cachapoal Valley is located in central Chile, between the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Range, and it boasts a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, thus providing ideal conditions for viticulture. The valley’s soils are primarily alluvial in origin, well-drained, and are enriched by deposits from the Cachapoal River and its tributaries. This terroir is especially known for its premium red wines, with cabernet sauvignon thriving in the foothills of the Andes, while and carmenère flourishing in the coastal valleys.The Millahue Valley has an even more unique microclimate, as it stands between the mountains and the dessert. It is characterized by a warm, Mediterranean-like climate and deep, porous granitic soils, which enhances root depth and promotes complex flavors while also maintaining the much needed moisture. This unique micro-terroir is crucial for the grapes’ development, providing excellent drainage and fostering the development of complex flavor profiles. This creates almost ideal conditions for the late-ripening grape varieties, such as carmenère and cabernet sauvignon, allowing them to develop rich, concentrated flavors and maintaining freshness due to the moderating coastal  influence.

color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy & noble ruby shades

The wine presents a deep and opaque ruby color with hazy, noble ruby shades trailing at the rim.

intensity: pronounced & leathery-savory
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, this wine reveals pronounced savory characteristics with a ripe fruit profile. Aromas of leather and iron complement the luscious black fruit notes of bitter cherry, dark plum, and blackcurrant. On top of that a layer of spice evolve, particularly peppercorn and tonka seeds, intermingling with earthy undertones reminiscent of black soil dust and pencil lead. Subtle hints of oak emerge as well, such as cloves and nutmeg, thus adding even more complexity to the already sophisticated aromatic profile.

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

On the palate, the wine feels round, firm, and remarkably complex. It showcases a ripe character that is balanced by vibrant acidity. The exuberance pairs harmoniously with flavors of black fruits, accompanied by earthy and spicy notes with a touch of well-integrated alcoholic warmth. The tannins are ripe and velvety, contributing to a long finish, that is both crisp and appealing.

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

Overall, this wine is a marvel of winemaking, resonating with richness, complexity, and structure all over. This is a wine that is very close to its prime, yet possesses great potential for further development, making it a worthy candidate for cellar aging. Expect to enjoy this wine today or in the next 2 to 3 years, allowing more time for further integration. But make no mistake, even though this is an entry wine, it is top class.

VIÑA VIK | A | Millahue | 2021
variety: carmenère | cabernet sauvignon | syrah
country: Chile | Central Valley
region: Cachapoal Valley | Millahue
rating: 94.3

To elevate your tasting experience, consider pairing this wine with richly-flavoured dishes, such as a peppercorn-crusted filet mignon or a rustic Tournedos Rossini. The soft textures of the meat and the slightly-sweet sauce would harmoniously complement the wine’s velvety texture and savory notes.

In pursuit of perfection, the team behind Viña Vik conducted extensive research, analyzing over 4,000 soil samples to find the optimal terroir for their vineyards. This dedication to detail is reflected in every bottle of their wines, as they seek to express the true essence of the Millahue Valley’s terroir with every new wine.

© 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. Cheers!