Cueva de las Manos translates to "Cave of Hands". There are a series of caves in Patagonia containing stenciled paintings of hands, dating back over 9,000 years ago. The caves have been named a World Heritage Site, and they are the inspiration for the label on these wines.
Imagine a mythical blend of Napa Chardonnay and White Burgundy.
"The 2014 Cueva de Las Manos Reserve, a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Viognier, is an outstanding effort, with the Viognier giving uplift and exotic lychee and apricot notes to the honeysuckle and buttery poached pear notes of the Chardonnay. This is a beauty, with good acidity and little evidence of oak. Drink it over the next several years."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 90 pts - Excellent Wine Values for Under $25
"Yeasty, dusty aromas of mango, lychee and other tropical fruits set up a plump, round palate with vanilla, tropical fruit and caramel flavors. The yeasty, oaky theme carries onto the finish, which is loaded with banana and melon. This is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Viognier"
- Wine Enthusiast (March 2015), 87 pts
"This large winery in Mendoza, Argentina makes numerous wines under the Maipe, Chakana and Cueva de las Manos labels. Almost all of them represent good values. The 2013 Cueva de las Manos Reserve Proprietary White is primarily Chardonnay with a small amount of Viognier included in the blend. Exotic notes of mango, banana and orange emerge from this wine's intriguing aromatics. Lush, fruity, dry, fleshy and cleanly made, it can be enjoyed over the next year. - Robert Parker"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (November 2014), 87 pts
"Two interesting blends that sell for fair prices include the 2012 Reserve White which is composed of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Viognier. It exhibits copious notes of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, sweet corn and crushed rocks in its medium-bodied, well-delineated, dry, pure style. Enjoy it over the next year."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #208, August 2013), 88 pts
Chakana is a family owned winery located 960 meters (3,149 feet) above sea level at the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Agrelo, Mendoza. It is one of the leading ...
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