“At its own risk towards the end of the 90s it was decided that Casablanca, aside from being the promised land for whites, was perfect for developing cool climate red wines of superior quality. Over a decade later the solid reputation of its Syrah, Malbec or Cabernet Franc among others, together with a vertical varietal from its parallel Lomas del Valle has made them the place any and every other vineyard would long to be, a true boutique”.
Report: Tri-color Malbec, by E. Brethauer, Vitis Magazine, issue n. 47:
“Unlike the rest of the vineyards in Casablanca, Loma Larga has specialized in red wines, among them, Malbec. According to Felipe Diaz, the general manager, the results have been promising, so much so they now plan to double the area they have planted with red vines”.
Report: “A look at the Chilean version of the Malbec“, LaCav, by Harriet Narhwold:
“(…) Felipe Diaz is the owner of the vineyard Loma Larga, Casablanca. There the Malbec is the most notable expression of this type of climate, with acids that handle even the heaviest oak and provide an excellent alternative for pairing with fatty fish dishes.
Diaz tells how it was a difficult start with this particular varietal. He knew the Malbec vines had delicate roots, which meant he needed to find a loam sand soil (no clay) that drained well, hard to find in Casablanca. But he found just what he needed on the slope of a hill. There he planted the vines facing north, making sure the maturity process was slow and prolonged helping the grape reach optimal phenolic content.
Diaz is emphatic in ensuring that if the Malbec hadn’t given the results it has or were expected, he would have torn out the vines or grafted a different varietal onto them. But the wine grower concurs with Jose Miguel Viu in saying that while the plant feels comfortable and remains well adapted to a determined soil, climate should have little effect. The varying characteristics of Chile from east to west as well as north to south create a veritable mosaic of attractive opportunities for this particular red, with character as different between them as wines from Colchagua, Casablanca or El Maipo.”
<strong>Robert Parker has awarded our wines high scores </strong>(100 point scale system)<strong>:</strong>
Loma Larga RAPSODIA 2008 <strong>90 points</strong>
<em>“The only wine on this particular assembly (for this tasting) is Rapsodia, harvest of 2008. This wine, consisting in 75% Syrah, 17% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc, aged in new French oak barrels for 15 months (60%), with a velvety medium body, gives off meaty aromas, of hunting, pancetta, smoky notes of dried plums and blackberries. Leaving a long-lasting aftertaste the Rapsodia 2008, with another 2 to 3 years of aging, would be a delicious treat to drink from 2014 to 2023.”</em>
Loma Larga CABERNET FRANC 2008 <strong> 90 points</strong>
<em>“With deep purple tones, Loma Larga Cabernet Franc 2008 was aged in new French oak barrels for 15 months (60%). It’s complex in the nose, with exotic herbs, dried herbs, violets, leather and blackberry. In the glass it has a layered structure that predicts 1 or two more years of aging. It has a soft balanced texture in the mouth, can be kept or drunk from 2010 to 2020.”</em>
Lomas del Valle MALBEC 2010 <strong>90 points</strong>
<em>“This 2010 Malbec from Lomas del Valle has attractive aromas reminiscent of violets, exotic spices, incense, cherries and blackberries. It has a velvety, deep structure full of character in the mouth, intense flavors and a balanced finish. Impressive quality that can be thoroughly enjoyed over the next 5 to 6 years.”</em>
Loma Larga, chosen one of the “Wineries of the Year” by Wine&Spirits, appears in the 100 Best Wines, 25th Anniversary Buying Guide issue.
“(…) Its Malbec invites interest and curiosity, an exemplary vintage among few of this particular variety growing under the influence of the ocean. Its added 2008 vintage has all the softness and creamy tannins of this particular varietal, but it has a spicy character and sharp acids, similar to a newly picked cherry. As with all the wines from Loma Larga Vineyards, it’s fresh, friendly, a unique style in the cooler areas of the Casablanca Valley.”
Special Issue Wine & Spirits, 25th Anniversary Buying Guide, winter 2011.
<a href=”http://www.lomalarga.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/WS-Winery-of-the-Year-publication.pdf”>See article</a>
