Magnum Almaviva - Chili 2018
The 2018 vintage in Chile was magnificent, one of the best of the decade, recognized for its exceptional quality, balance and complexity.
The vintage was rainier than avreage with 300mm in Puente Alto between May and October 2017, compared to the historical average of 281mm. During the same winter period, the temperatures were lower than usual, resulting in bud break occurring a few days later than average.
The temperatures increased significantly in November, reaching higher levels in December than in four previous years. The heat increased the growth and the vigor of the vines, initiating important precision work in the vineyard.
The veraison started later than average on the 3rd week of January, but was incredibly fast and homogeneous. Although the initial stages were hinting at a late harvest, picking started on March 26th for the Merlot, and on April 2nd for the Cabernet Sauvignon, one week earlier than usual. Benefiting from the progressive decrease of temperature to maintain a great balance between freshness and ripeness, the grapes were picked over a long period of 9 weeks, until the last Carménère was brought in on May 24th.
The 2018 vintage resulted in the perfect combination between a generous harvest and a tremendously high level of quality on the estate's Bordeaux varieties.