(2022) A blend of Chardonnay and Pedro Ximenez from old vines in the high altitude vineyards of the Elqui Valley, some at over 2,000 metres. There's a rich and ripe character here, some dried fig and apricot, some custardy and candied notes, perhaps from the Chardonnay. There's a hint of sweetness on the palate, a hint of honey and nuttiness, a bite of bittersweet grapefruit or orange to the acids of the finish.
(2016) Fairly subdued on the nose, this is about delicate lime and blossom, without the pungent mineral character of some of the best Rieslings. That story continues on the palate, where the gossamer delicacy and gentleness is pleasing, but it does just lack a bit of real character.
(2012) >From arguably Chile's most exciting Sauvignon region, Elqui on the edge of the Atacama desert. Absolutely typical (and that means excellent) aromatics here of fresh, terribly delicate pea shoots and tomato leaf perfume, leading onto a palate that is zingy-fresh, with a vibrant core of acidity that is mineral and limey, scything through the precise, cool fruity flavours. Dry in the finish, this has crowd-pleasing aromatic and flavour fireworks, but a glacial cool too.
(2010) Late harvest Muscatel and Semillon with fine floral, peachy fruit. Quite full and rich, but sweetness is moderate and it finishes with a bit of bite through some phenolic richness and good acidity.
(2010) Juicy, pear and apple scents, small floral aspects and a touch of talcum. The palate has fine fruit sweetness (though only 2.9g/l residual sugar). There's something leafy and herbal too, almost chicory like, with a nice bite of lemony acidity.
(2010) 95% stainless steel, the rest in old barrels. And yet the nose has a creamy richness from battonage. The palate is very crisp and juicy, with lots of lime and lemon fruit.
(2010) Pronounced, leafy nose - touches of marjoram and tomato plant leaves. |Lots of tight, sharply focused fruit character. The palate has a scything cut of lemon juice and leafy acidity, and a really crisp, fresh mid-palate.
(2010) Delicate, slightly spearminty notes, a touch of peach and apple and some floral aspects. Fresh, crisp, nicely delineated palate with no weight and ponderous character, but very crisp, leafy and almost Sauvignon freshness.
(2010) Perhaps not quite so expressive as the Falernia bottling, with small lemon confit notes and a touch of leafiness. The palate is drier than the Falernia, with a very tight, white apple acidity and lovely fresh, zesty palate. Drier and tighter, but very delicious.
