Vik’s top end Carmenere blend, La Piu Belle, is becoming one of the most recognizable wine labels from Chile. I finally got to taste and review a bottle.
This is a follow up to my first post about Vik if you’d like to read more about Vik. It’s also part of a series of reviews I’ve written about the world’s top Carmeneres such as Clos Apalta, Purple Angel, Alto de Piedras, Kai and even one Italian Carmenere.
Since my last post about Vik, Vik has expanded its offerings. They still sell the eponymous Vik label as their top red with La Piu Belle as a softer Carmenere based alternative top-end wine. At the entry level was Milla Cala and La Piu Belle Rosé. However, now they’ve added some cheaper entry level reds with Vik “A” and Vik “Omega.” Both are Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blends.
They’ve also added their La Piu Belle Vintage Extra Brut Champagne, which features an artistic label like the other La Piu Belle wines. This is not a Champagne method sparkling wine from Chile. This is actually from Champagne, France.
Vik’s spare no expense attitude in production and marketing continues to elevate its labels in the international market. However, we can’t drink labels, so I’m happy to check if we can judge this book by its cover.
Tasting Notes
2021 Vik La Piu Belle Millahue Cachapoal
This was the first of their artist label series wines. The label was designed by Chilean artist Gonzalo Cienfuegos. 76% Carmenere, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. 20 months in French oak barrels (15% of the oak was toasted from branches of oak trees found on the property). This can cost up to $80-100, but I found it on sale for around $50.
Dark almost opaque color. The nose is shy with a savory, herbal side. However, the palate is gregarious with intense, ripe red and blue fruits. The red fruits give it acidity and lift. The tannins are suave and the overall feel is seamless and easy going. There’s some herbs, spice and paprika on the back end, but it’s mostly about elegant, juicy fruit at this stage. Not much oak influence at this point either. Stylistically, it’s less modern than Purple Angel and Clos Apalta, which are fuller, darker, more oaked and less acidic. However, it’s not Loire Valley Cabernet Franc either. It’s ripe, juicy and warm with only mild herbal notes. Still young, so it could improve and gain complexity. More varietal and oak influence could emerge, but it’s also completely drinkable now on its own or with food. 93+