Region: Maipo Valley, Central Valley, Chile

Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot

Tasting Notes: The 2019 Domus Aurea is a rich and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon that beautifully captures the essence of its Maipo Valley terroir. The vineyards, lined with eucalyptus trees, impart a distinct mentholated influence to the wine, with aromas and flavors of eucalyptus and mint blending seamlessly with ripe black fruit notes of blackberry and cassis. The wine’s complexity is further enhanced by hints of exotic spices like cola nut and pepper, as well as savory touches of briny olive and iron-tinged minerality. Full-bodied and structured, this wine offers a long, captivating finish, making it an ideal candidate for aging while remaining highly enjoyable now.

Producer: Domus Aurea, produced by Viña Quebrada de Macul in Chile’s Maipo Valley, is one of the country’s most prestigious wines, consistently recognized as one of the finest expressions of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Since its inception, this wine has garnered acclaim for its exceptional quality and its ability to compete with the world’s best. The 2019 vintage continues this legacy, reflecting the winery’s commitment to crafting a wine that embodies the unique terroir of the Maipo Valley. Domus Aurea is celebrated for its depth, complexity, and balance, making it a standout in Chile’s rich winemaking tradition.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2019 Domus Aurea is crafted from grapes sourced from the winery’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, planted in 1970 at an altitude of 680 meters at the foot of the Andes. This wine undergoes a five-day cold soak, followed by fermentation in stainless steel, which helps preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit. It then undergoes full malolactic fermentation in a combination of new French oak barrels and stainless steel. The wine is aged for 20 months in 225-liter French oak barrels, 80% of which are new, imparting rich textures and subtle oak influence. The result is a wine that captures the essence of Maipo Valley’s terroir with rich black fruit flavors, nuanced herbal notes, and a well-structured finish.