Loma Larga Rapsodia – 2012
Casablanca Valley
Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
Only 4,000 Bottles Produced
93 Points (Wine Enthusiast)
$42.00
388 in stock
More Information
Loma Larga Vineyards is a family owned Chilean winery located in the Casablanca Valley, less than 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Their terracotta roofed winery sits among desert pines on a long hill that rises from a green valley floor. Though the scene is reminiscent of Texas hill country, the coast is just 18 miles away; maritime influence in Chilean wine hits its peak in the Casablanca Valley.
The cool temperatures mean the area is most popular for its chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Yet Tamara de Baeremaecker, winemaker at Loma Larga, has chosen to lead with syrah in this 2012. It’s an outlier choice for the region, as syrah prefers warmer climes, and for Chile in general, where syrah is comparatively rare. Loma Larga is actually the first winery to produce red wines here: it is made possible by their specific micro-terroir: a long hill (loma larga in Spanish) across the estate provides enough sun to grow red grape varieties.
The cab franc adds an herby freshness to the otherwise “textbook Chile” nose. On the palate, the syrah and malbec bring density and power with notes of rich plum and blackberry. If you let it linger, that herby freshness will return for a great, refreshing finish.
