Kaiken Ultra Mendoza Merlot 2019

Kaiken Ultra Mendoza Merlot

Region: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Vintage: 2019

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: 93% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc

ABV: 14.5%

Intense and brilliant ruby red in colour, this Merlot delights with pronounced aromas of cassis and red berry jam, accompanied by some spicy notes. Well-structured with grippy tannins, the finish is long and invites a second glass.

Fruit for the Kaiken Ultra Merlot was sourced from a single vineyard in Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, which is over 75 years old. The vines are trained along a pergola system, which helps protect the grapes from the sun and high temperatures. The soil is alluvial, with layers of sand, silt and rocks, allowing for excellent drainage and creating the ideal conditions for concentrated grapes.

Kaikenes are wild geese, native to Patagonia, that fly across the Andes between Chile and Argentina. In the same way, Montes, the Chilean winery, crossed the Andes to set up in Mendoza. Their vineyards are situated in the heart of Mendoza and further to the south in Valle de Uco, where many of the premium producers are now sourcing their fruit. The focus is primarily on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that has been somewhat forgotten as Malbec has surfed one wave of success after another in the past decade. As a result, there are many old vineyards in Mendoza that produce excellent fruit. Kaiken's own vineyards supply 70% of their production requirements and 30% is from vineyards that they control.