2021, Vinedo Chadwick, PUENTO ALTO, MAIPO VALLEY, CHILE

"This has to be the finest vintage for Chadwick."
100/100 Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate

"Utterly sublime."
98 Georgina Hindle, Decanter Magazine.

The 2021 Viñedo Chadwick fermented in stainless steel and troncoconic concrete vats, spent some 10 months in barrique, and then part of the wine (some 20%) was sent to the Stockinger foudres. The nose is reminiscent of a super elegant and sleek Bordeaux, pure and clean, less balsamic than in previous years and less herbal. It's perfumed and floral, precise, fresh and elegant, with very fine tannins, and despite the grape, it is more Pomerol than Graves, with 14% alcohol on the label but without any heat at all. It's velvety and luxurious, juicy and tasty, with fine-grained chalky tannins and the elegant stoniness that the best Maipos are capable of. It has structure and power, like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. This has to be the finest vintage for Chadwick; the wine made my heart beat faster—it's a wine of emotion. This is also my first 100-point wine from Chile! The final blend contains around 3% Petit Verdot from vines planted in 2005.  100/100 Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate.

There's a touch of exotic fruit on the nose that tells you that it's not Bordeaux - ripe peach or nectarine notes - even though it's red - but I couldn't help thinking of an older La Mission Haut-Brion I once had at a private tasting. Deep opaque ruby/purple. Very fragrant and alive with raspberry and dark plums - incredibly smooth on the palate - the finest sweet earth with a dark chocolate & mineral intensity. Tannins so fine that as soon as you're aware of them they melt away in a long creamy finish. Very satisfying - silky. Tasted over three evenings with the wine continuing to improve (if that's possible) and reveal more of itself each night. Approachable now but with great aging potential. ***** James Kirkwood, 16/09/2023.

After appearing as a single varietal in 2020, Chadwick has reverted to being a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 3% Petit Verdot in 2021. One of the greatest ever expressions of its Puente Alto terroir, this is a triumphant red from Francisco Baettig. The focus, balance and precision of this wine are remarkable, with acidity, brightness and what the French call tension at its core. Stylishly wooded in 80% new oak, it combines aromas of graphite, mocha and bay leaf with a palate of black cherry, cassis, orange zest and cranberry complemented by serious, layered tannins and a lingering satisfying finish. 100 Tim Atkin MW