Chakana is the name of the Southern Cross constellation. Its rotation in the sky throughout the year made it an effective agricultural calendar for the ancient Andean people.
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is from Chakana's Gualtallary vineyard (5,300 ft elevation).
Aromas of black fruit and spices blended with mineral, graphite notes and freshness typical of calcareous soils. The palate demonstrates the power of Gualtallary combined with the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. A fine chalky texture, which is tight and refreshing.
grilled red meat and grilled vegetables (Argentinean Asado)
"Notes of eucalyptus open the nose and then give way to sweet cherry aromas. A savory palate offers ripe berry flavors joining notes of licorice and menthol that extend into a medium-long finish. This wine was matured for 12 months in oak barrels, just enough time to soften the tannins and preserve good acidity. - Jesica Vargas"
- Wine Enthusiast (May 2023), 91 pts
"Plum and berry aromas are full and rounded in a welcoming way. Sticking to the script, this Cabernet is generous and pulpy in feel, with coarse acidity lending lift. Spicy dark-berry flavors carry to the steady finish. - MICHAEL SCHACHNER"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2020), 90 pts
"Coming from 10-year-old Cabernet vines planted in the sandy, loamy soils of the estate vineyard in the Uco Valley, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate sports a deep purple/ruby color as well as an herbal bouquet of blackcurrants, green tobacco, menthol, and spring flowers. With medium-bodied richness, good overall balance, and ripe, polished tannins, it's a terrific, rock-solid Cabernet that delivers ample character. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (August 2020), 90 pts
"2016 was the second vintage of this impressive Cabernet from the upper part of the Uco Valley, deliberately made in a “European” style by Gabriel Bloise. Leafy, fresh and perfumed, it’s a charming wine that has more backbone and acidity than you think at first. 2019-26"
- Tim Atkin, Argentina Special Report 2018, 92 pts
"Another of the stars of the Estate Selection lineup originates in the heights of Gualtallary, and is a spirited Cabernet, rich in spices, generous with herbal notes, but above all marked by layers and layers and flavors of red fruit in abundance. Here what matters is the power of the Cabernet, it’s hefty granular tannins. A red to drink now with chorizo."
- Descorchados 2018, 92 pts
"Maybe this isn't the most structured Mendoza Cabernet, but it's got great berry fruit, some citrus freshness and smooth tannins. Easy to enjoy now."
- James Suckling (April 2018), 90 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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