Our estate Cabernet is grown from a variety of clones on two exposed peaks, each distinguished by their topography and soils of fractured rock or volcanic uplift. This diversity results in a supple balance between deep aromatics of cinnamon and clove with a palate of dark berries, cranberry, and cocoa. The 2013 vintage reflects its warm growing year giving us a rich, refined, and deeply concentrated wine whose tannins soften upon decanting.
Split Rock is a selection from vines that conform to the undulating hillsides beneath their rows. Roots struggle less here, soils are deeper, more fertile. Berries grow plumper and rounder creating a wine that is approachable in its youth. We expect the Split Rock to be expressive of bright fruit and softer tannins. And while this is true for this year’s Split Rock, it is also more expansive, broader, and quite lush!
For our inaugural Reserve Cabernet, we hand-selected only the finest grapes from the upper ridgeline of our highest elevation vines. The wine is a fittingly complex and unique expression of our rugged Mayacamas Mountains topography depicted in the label. Moving from earth, red fruit and allspice to cherry, tarragon, and sage, the wine evolves as much after decanting as it will cellared for years to come.
The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon reflects another dimension of the distinctive micro-climate and elevation at Viluko. Grapes are hand-selected from blocks that crest the ridgeline at the highest elevation. Each selection is vinified into separate barrels and only the finest barrels are chosen for the Reserve bottling. To highlight the individuality of this superb Cabernet Sauvignon our son, Alexander, designed the label to illustrate the topography of our property along the Mayacamas Mountains. 175 cases made.
Rooted in our family’s Chilean heritage is the love of Malbec. Our vines are planted between swaths of tall fir trees on steep, rocky slopes–– a perfect place to a coax bright acidity and juicy minerality. We find our second release of this fan and family favorite exuberant with ripe cherry, blueberry, and spices, with a counterpoint of graham cracker on the palate and sandalwood on the nose.
