Kaiken Ultra, Mendoza 2011 Luján de , Mendoza,

PRODUCER Kaikenes are wild geese, native to Patagonia, that fly across the between Chile and Argentina. In the same way, Montes, the Chilean winery, crossed the Andes to set up in Mendoza. Their vineyards are situated in the heart of Mendoza and further to the south in Valle de Uco, where many of the premium producers are now sourcing their fruit. The focus is primarily on and Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that has been somewhat forgotten as Malbec has surfed one wave of success after another in the past decade. As a result, there are many old vineyards in Mendoza that produce excellent fruit. Kaiken's own vineyards supply 70% of their production requirements and 30% is from vineyards that they control.

VINEYARDS Grapes are sourced from 50 year old vines located in the First Zone (Agrelo, Lunlunta and Pedriel). Here, soils are sandy, creating ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Plants are trained to the vertical shoot positioning system and yield seven and a half tonnes per hectare.

VINTAGE Early frosts in the Mendoza wine region set a challenging 2011 vintage for winemakers. This, coupled with periods of high winds, hail, heavy rains and cooler temperatures delayed the onset of fruit maturation. However, an 'Indian summer' in the immediate lead up to harvest ripened the grapes, resulting in elegant style wines with higher than average acidity. Temperatures over the harvest period fluctuated between 16 and 33°C, with harvest running from March to early May.

VINIFICATION Grapes were selected and harvested by hand. Once picked, fruit underwent pre-fermentation cold maceration in tank for five days Grape Varieties 96% Cabernet Sauvignon at 10°C. Yeasts were then added, initiating 12 days of alcoholic 4% Malbec fermentation at temperatures of 25-28°C. Malolactic fermentation Winemaker Aurelio Montes Baseden lasted a total 15 days, after which point 80% of the wine was transferred to French oak for 12 months of barrel aging. Closure Natural Cork ABV 14.5% TASTING NOTES Residual Sugar 2.37g/L Ruby red in colour. Hints of mature red berries, tobacco and spice Acidity 3.23g/L on the nose with vanilla notes from the French oak influence. On the palate it is dense and mouth filling with good structure and Wine pH 3.8 soft tannins. Bottle Sizes 75cl Notes Vegetarian, Vegan