2009 Altair
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Altair signifies a transitional phase toward reduced extraction and a more careful approach to oak treatment, coinciding with unusually warm conditions during the harvest. The nose initially showcases impressive energy, featuring secondary notes of dried tobacco, cedar and a creamy undertone accompanied by dried fruits. The palate is smooth and gentle, leading to a plush, straightforward finish. Although its best days may be behind it, this wine serves as an educational example of Altair's evolution into the refinement it currently displays.
Critic scores
Josh Raynolds
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Glass-staining ruby. Candied cherry, cassis, licorice, lavender and cracked pepper on the highly perfumed nose. Dense, fleshy and sweet, with impressive clarity to the intense flavors of dark berries, bitter cherry, floral pastilles and spicecake. The impressively long, spicy finish features fine-grained tannins and a lingering floral note.
The 2009 Altair is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc with a splash of Petit Verdot and Carmenere that is aged for 10 month in French oak. It has a well-defined, slightly herbaceous bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and a touch of orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with furry tannins, and a foursquare, rather introspective finish that needs more flesh and fruit to balance the oak, though that does reveal itself with time. This is a good Chilean wine, although to be frank I would expect a little more complexity at this price level vis-a-vis similarly priced Cabernets. Drink 2013-2020. Altair is located in the Alto Cachapoal Valley and just two wines are produced from their 72 hectares of vineyard. Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 233-1504
About the producer
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah / Shiraz
Red
Dry