Rating:

Product Description:

Wine:
"Bright and intense in color. Clean and direct fruity nose with red cherries, hints of raspberries and a subtle wild herb note. Delicate and refined on the palate. Juicy with ripe flavors of berries combined with mineral notes and a lively acidity." -Importer

Vinification:
"100% Pinot Noir from estate vineyards in the Leyda Valley. The Las Brisas vineyard was planted in 1998 on a southwestern facing slope. Because of this exposure, this block gets somewhat less sunlight and the influence of ocean breezes is higher. The ripening process occurs at a slower pace, contributing to the development of special flavors and aromas. Production in this block is 1.6 tons per acre. The grapes were hand harvested and de-stemmed. 30% of the grapes were kept whole (not crushed) during cold maceration and the beginning of fermentation. The grapes were chilled to 50 degrees F and remained in open stainless steel tanks for 6 days before the introduction of selected yeast. Fermentation took place over 7 days at 80-82 degrees F with punch downs 3-4 times per day. The wine was racked into 2nd-use French oak barrels and aged for 10 months. 14.5% alcohol." -Importer

Winery:
"Leyda is an innovative winery, dedicated to using the latest technology to analyze every detail of the region. Their ongoing research ensures that each variety performs to its maximum potential and state-of-the-art equipment with a diverse selection of barrel types ensures that Leyda consistently produces some of Chile's most expressive, highest-quality wines."

"The most distinguishing characteristic of Leyda is its location. Nestled in the rolling hills of Chile's coastal mountain range, in its namesake Leyda Valley. Just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, the area has a distinctly cool, maritime climate with moderate, rainy winters, dry summers and a unique influence from the sea. Sea breezes and ocean mist carried by the Humboldt Current have a tempering effect on the otherwise hot summers of this latitude. Evening fog moves into the vineyards and dissipates in the early morning, with clear days, lots of sunlight and low relative humidity. These climate characteristics allow grape ripening to take place at a slower pace, prompting a robust development of aromas and fruity flavors, and ensuring a perfect balance of sugar and acidity in the wines." -Importer

This was also rated 88 points in the International Wine Cellar, 87 points in the Wine Spectator, and 85 points in the Wine Enthusiast.