Cauquenina 2017

CLOS DES FOUS

Cauquenina
2017

Country
Chile
Regulated designation
Denominación de Origen
Region
Valle Central
Subregion
Valle del Maule
Varietal(s)
Carignan 40 %
Pais 30 %
Cinsault 20 %
Carmenère 10 %
Colour
Red
Producer's website

About this winery

Fours friends, each an expert in their respective fields got together and became the unstoppable force that is Clos des Fous. Pedro Parra, Chilean Viticultuarist and one of the few Wine Terroir Consultants in the world and Francois Massoc, one of the top oenologists in Chile are the founding members and they got together to do what nobody else in Chile was doing. Planting vineyards in extreme conditions, never previously considered good for planting vines. They were considered crazy for...

See the CLOS DES FOUS detail page for more information on this brand

Tasting notes

This blend from the Maule show notes of leather, cassis, black tar, blackberry, crused walnuts, and a hint of Eucalyptus on the nose. Fig and blueberry syrup on the palate with touches of powdered sugar and some spice. This wine has depth and layers that continue to an extremely long finish.

Press reviews

James Suckling

- 93 points -

April 2019

Ripe-blackberry and herbal notes give this generous yet nicely balanced and warm red a lot of appeal. The supple tannins add some nice structure at the long, moderately dry finish.

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Wine Advocate

- 91 points -

Luis Gutiérrez, August 2021 (Vintage 2017)

The red blend 2017 Cauquenina is approximately of 40% Carignan, 30% País, 20% Cinsault and 10% Carmenere, quite different from previous years and higher in Carignan and with a notable percentage of Cinsault. It fermented at low temperature and matured in concrete and 5,000-liter oak foudre for six months. There is a little more rusticity here, perhaps the higher percentage of Cariñena this year. There is also a smoky and spicy note reminiscent of the Chilean spice mix called merkén, with some notes of graphite too. It's medium-bodied and has some dusty tannins.

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James Suckling

- 90 points -

April 2020 (Vintage 2017)

Very spicy and rustic, meaty nose with star-anise, white pepper and smoked meat, lying over savory plums and eucalyptus. Fresh, succulent palate of medium weight with some nice, peppery accents in the finish. Tight and elastic. Delicious.

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