Vina San Esteban, 'In Situ Bold Blend', 2023

'One-Liner'
A wonderfully characterful Chilean red, bursting with juicy plums, dark berries and warming spice, with a lovely smoky edge and a beautifully smooth, satisfying finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby red in the glass, with inviting aromas of juicy red plums, ripe black cherries and dried cranberries, alongside hints of sweet liquorice and gentle smoke. The palate is rich and expressive, bringing together generous dark fruit flavours with subtle earthy undertones and a touch of warming spice. Ripe tannins give the wine a lovely rounded texture, while a welcome lift of freshness keeps everything beautifully balanced. Full-flavoured and wonderfully approachable, with a lingering finish of dark berries, savoury spice and a delicate smoky edge.

Country: Chile
Region: Aconcagua Valley
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 80% Carignan, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
In Situ Family Vineyards is the creation of the Vicente family, whose winemaking story began in 1974 when José Vicente established a vineyard in the foothills of the Chilean Andes, close to the Aconcagua River. Today, the estate is led by his son Horacio, who has drawn on his international winemaking experience to develop a collection of wines that celebrate the distinctive character of the Upper Aconcagua Valley. The In Situ project takes its inspiration from the remarkable landscape surrounding the vineyards, particularly the ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks of Mount Paidahuén, which have become an unmistakable feature of the estate's identity. Here, warm sunshine is tempered by cooling mountain breezes, allowing the grapes to develop wonderful ripeness while retaining their natural freshness. 'Bold Blend' is part of the estate's Signature range, a collection of carefully crafted wines that bring together complementary grape varieties to explore the diversity of this remarkable terroir. Combining the vibrant fruit and lively character of Carignan with the structure and depth of Cabernet Sauvignon, the result is a beautifully expressive red, full of juicy fruit, gentle spice and savoury complexity. A wonderfully versatile wine that offers plenty of personality without demanding too much ceremony.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Toulouse-style sausages with lentils, herbs and red wine
- Vegetarian: Roast beetroot, goat’s cheese and caramelised shallot Wellington
- Vegan: Lentil and mushroom bourguignon with thyme and pearl onions