EL DELIRIO RESERVE

El Delirio Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety:	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage:	2003
Valley:	Maule
Final Blend:	Cabernet Sauvignon 85%/ Carignan 8%/ Cabernet Franc 7%
Chemical Analysis
Alcohol:	13.4
PH:	3.71
Total acidity:	5.25 g/l (tartaric)
Residual sugar:	2.69 g/l
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Climate:

Relatively warm days, with cool evenings extending through the morning hours.

Soil:

Hillside planting on well—drained, silty clay loam soils with low vigor.

Harvest date:

April.

Harvest:

Hand—picked into half—ton bins. Cluster selection on the vine, with leaf removal prior to vintage. Harvested only in the morning hours to keep the fruit cool.

Winemaking:

Gently crushed and de—stemmed. Pre—fermentation maceration for three days at 59ºF (15ºC). Primary fermentation in stainless steel fermenters at 77-82ºF (25-28ºC).

Bottling date:

January 2004.

Wine Description

Appearance:

Medium intense ruby red with black cherry hues.

Aromas:

Intense black fruit aromas of cassis and blueberry, with spicy hints of cumin, black pepper, and cardamom. Notes of bell pepper, eucalyptus, and toasted oak round out the nose.

Palate:

Forward and captivating, with a medium-full mid—palate and lovely balance. The tannins are a bit dry at this stage, but harmonious and in balance with the acidity. The finish is firm, leaving the impression of rich, ripe fruit. Still quite young, it has the elements found in abundance in some of the world's greatest wines: deep color, tight but complex aromas, and a powerful structure. This wine displays the strengths of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, especially in its tannin structure. It is balanced and elegant from entry to finish. Oak aging accentuates the forward grapy flavors of this wine.

Serving suggestions:

While vinified for casual, everyday enjoyment, the wine's concentration is impressive and will show best alongside simply grilled meats or full—flavored dishes with spicy sauces. Highly recommended with fresh or aged goat cheese. This wine will age and meld gracefully in the bottle for at least five years. Serve at 68ºF (20ºC).