2014 Viña Andes Plateau Red Blend 700 Andes Plateau High Altitude

The 2014 700 mixes grapes from Maipo and Elqui (Alcohuaz) and also grape varieties, with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah and 2% each Cabernet Franc and Carignan. The idea here is to always source grapes from vineyards that are at least 700 meters in altitude. The label carries the Maipo appellation, because in Chile you only need a minimum of 75% of the wine to be able to quote the appellation. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in French oak barrels and untoasted foudres for some 16 months. It's an unusual combination of places and grapes, with a subtle nose, not terribly expressive, but you have to look at the texture and mouthfeel, which is where the wine shows more nuanced. It's serious and balanced, showing good freshness and a slightly bitter finish. 15,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2015.