"What could be more daring than producing a Malbec (with 15% Merlot and Cabernet Franc) that's as good as almost anything produced on the other side of the Andes?"  - Tim Atkin MW, Chile 2020 Special Report  

Licantén Idahue Estate Malbec 2019 - 95 pts Tim Akin MW

Buy six or more - pay $17.99 net

Anything less still $19.99 on sale! 

Founded in 1949 the family owned and operated La Ronciere winery is part of the "new Chile" bringing global recognition to the country's best wines. Brothers José Antonio, Andres and Alejandro Orueta run the winery today, and their efforts are focused on exploring the unique terroirs and micro-climates of Chile. They're so revered in their homeland that the Licantén DO was created as their own in 2018! Yeah, they're the only producer in this incredible wine region. Their Idahue estate in Coastal Curico was planted in 2012 after two years of in depth research and over 1000 exploratory soil pits were dug searching for the perfect plots in this unique terrain that lies just 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Their vineyards are strewn across rolling hills that are influenced by a coastal climate that remains slightly warmer than many of Chile's other coastal wine regions. This warmer coastal climate combined with incredible 300 million year old soils with veins of llicorella, lutites, gravel, and clay, are why the Oruetas chose this site as perfect location for producing beautifully balanced red wines. 

Their Licantén estate Malbec is a stunner. A blend of 85% Malbec, 8% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc planted across six plots totaling 4.67 hectares. Each block was fermented separately then blended and aged for ten months in French oak barrels prior to bottling. All too many of the Malbecs I taste these days come across as one dimensional fruit bombs that are often overly extracted and heavily oaked. Licantén is a different breed. This is a balanced Bordeaux styled blend with dark plum and black cherry aromas, and hints of earthy minerals adding nuance. Broad and expansive on the palate with more juicy plum and cherry, a good tannic core, and a persistent long dry finish that seems to last a minute. With a sense of refinement and earth-tone that reminds you of Malbec's French roots, and the fruit forward likability that great Malbecs from South America offer, this wine really has something to offer any red wine fan. Drink now, or happily age for another 8 years or so. Under $20 a bottle, this is the real deal! 

"Chile should be more daring with its reds." says Juan Aurelio Muñoz (winemaker at La Ronciere), and what could be more daring than producing a Malbec (with 15% Merlot and Cabernet Franc) that's as good as almost anything produced on the other side of the Andes? Meaty, complex and well-balanced, this shows the perfume and freshness of its cool climate. 2022-29." -Tim Atkin MW, Chile 2020 Special Report  


Or reply. The wine will be available Wednesday in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.