Rafael Tirado "Laberinto Cenizas" Mezcla Tinta, Maule Valley, Chile 2022

FROM BRAZOS WINE IMPORTS:

THE WINE: This hand harvested, single vineyard, is a blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that Rafael Tirado planted himself in 1993. The palate is full-bodied with lavish ripe black cherries, blackberries, blueberry and cassis fruit that coat the mouth. Hints of eucalyptus and violets lead to a structured yet smooth finish with subtle hints of oak; succulent fruit with good grip.

THE PRODUCER: As one of ten children, Rafael Tirado has long been prepared to navigate his way through life. Over the course of his decades long career, he has made wine around the world, managed several mid-sized Chilean wineries, many of which are exported to the USA, and has become one of the most sought after wine consultants in Chile. Rafa purchased land in the Eastern Maule Valley in the front range of the Chilean Andes and planted his first estate vines in 1993 on volcanic ash over granite. He currently has six parcels totaling 23ha of vines. His vineyards are legally recognized to be located within the Colbun D.O. and he is currently one of the only producers in the D.O. Many of his vines are planted in various orientations, some of which are planted in the shape of a labyrinth. Rafael built a small gravity fed winery and geothermal barrel and bottle room on the property, and currently produces estate wines under the Cenizas, Arcillas, and Trumao labels. We believe these wines to be some of the most classic expressions of terroir in all of Chile, and Rafael Tirado to be a beacon of Artisanal Chilean Wine.