Cousino Macul Lota 2019

Lota, Cousino Macul, Maipo Valley, Chile, 2019

Grape: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon & 45% Merlot, vineyards located 600 meters above sea level, deep loamy soil, hand harvested, matured in new French oak barrels for 15 months (plus a further 3 months in barrel after blending, and at least 3 years' ageing in bottle before release onto the market) 

Producer Tasting Note:

Brick-red colour, bright and clean. On the nose, it presents a high and complex aromatic intensity, dominated by ripe black fruits such as plums, blackberries, and figs, as well as strawberries and cherries. Floral notes reminiscent of violets, herbs like eucalyptus, and spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, cedar, and tobacco are also perceived. On the palate, it is smooth, elegant, and intense. Its soft tannins allow the fruit characteristics and its long finish to be enjoyed.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"The 2019 Lota is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot from Alto Maipo that spent 15 months in French barrels. Garnet in the glass with purple flecks. The attractive nose presents clear notes of blackcurrant and black pepper along with hints of graphite, herbs and faint cigar box aromas. In the mouth, it's velvety and juicy with refined, polished tannins. A continental wine that delivers pristine flavor."

94/100 points, VINOUS MEDIA

"Lota is Cousiño Macul's top wine and has been produced since the 2004 vintage. This year it's a blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon from the oldest vineyards at the Macul property, planted in 1932, and the rest is merlot, also from Macul, but from vines from 1980. Aging lasted 18 months in first-use barrels, and the result is a tremendously elegant wine with fine and piercing tannins that are classics in this Andean area of Alto Maipo. Juicy flavors, aromas of candied fruits, and notes of menthol. A red wine full of a sense of place and one of the great blends for us at Descorchados."

97/100 points, Patricio Tapia, Descorchados, January 2024

Also awarded 97/100 points, Tim Atkin, December 2022 and 17/20 points, Jancis Robinson, August 2023

Food Match: This wine pairs very well with complex and delicate dishes such as filet mignon stuffed with gorgonzola cheese or beef chop with fresh pepper sauce and demi-glace, accompanied by truffle risotto. It is also ideal for pairing with aged cheeses, such as Pecorino and Grana Padano.