The Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenère grapes come from 10-year-old vines in plots 16 and 15, respectively, of La Esperanza in San Rafael Estate. The vineyard is vertically positioned vines and planted at a density of 1.5 x 2.2 m. No canopy management was done on the Sauvignon Blanc, while leaves were pulled from both sides of the Carmenére on two separate occasions during the season. The first de-leafing took place during the last week of December to eliminate the leaves that receive the morning sun, and the second in late March to eliminate the ones that receive the afternoon sun. Both varieties have similar yields of 10-12 tons per hectare.
Climate: Sub-humid Mediterranean.
Soils: Fine-textured alluvial soils in low position and voluntary sterilization derived from conglomerates, breccias, and tuff. Most of the soils are loam to clay-loam in texture with moderate fertility. The vineyard elevation is 153 m (502 ft) above sea level.
Harvest Date:
Sauvignon Blanc: February 18
Carmenère: March 23
Taste: Crisp, fresh, slightly leafy Sauvignon flavours with good length and a very clean finish. This is an unusual blend which in our opinion works really well!
