Vintus

Decero Amano, Agrelo

2006 was an excellent vintage in Agrelo.  A cool winter with plenty of snow fall in the Andes was followed by a warm spring, resulting in excellent and even fruit set.  Summer was characterized by warm days and slightly cooler than usual nights – excellent ripening conditions.  Finally, little rainfall from late February to the end of harvest led to an outstanding vintage.  

This flagship wine is a blend of 60%  Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot from the best vineyard lots in the Remolinos vineyard.  These lots have lower natural yields, and are also thinned to 1 cluster per shoot.  Maceration is slightly longer for these lots, and fermentation times and temperatures depend on the characteristics of the particular lots.  The wine is then gently basket pressed before going into new French oak barrels for 22 months, followed by 10 months maturation in bottle. 

The wine shows a deep purplish, ruby color, with violet and intriguing spice notes on the nose, and on the palate soft, fine, integrated tannins, and a deep, rich character.  Aromas and flavors unfold from the violets of the Malbec to the red fruits of the Cabernet, and the jasmine perfumed Petit Verdot.  The Cabernet also lends excellent structure and length, and the Petit Verdot adds firm tannins and textural complexity.

"A ripe, lush style, with lots of blueberry, fig and plum notes all layered with alluring mocha and spice. The long, fleshy finish isn't overwhelming, despite its concentration. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot." 92 Wine Spectator, November 2008