Chile’s Pérez Cruz has been hitting a very high average of late. I was first attracted to their wines at Drink Chile 2022 in Toronto in early November. I focused solely on Carmenère from 7 producers and Perez Cruz 2020 Limited Edition ($19.95) came out on top spot. Subsequent to that their Grenache and Cabernet Franc were top quality. Then there is the Pérez Cruz 2018 Chaski Petit Verdot?
Petit Verdot is almost always used as a blender valued for its colour, structure and violet scent. On a rare occasion it appears as a single varietal as it does with this Pérez Cruz. Can they continue their winning streak?
It is a very late ripening grape and needs heat.
The Chaski has an aroma full of rich dark fruit particularly blackberry. But three cheers none of the fruit is overripe as there is nothing worse, (other than a spoilt wine) than a stewed red wine. On the palate blackberry, licorice, coal, dark chocolate, cassis and a peppery finish. A fine winemaking effort but a baby that needs until 2024 to really strut its stuff and really roll forward like a Ukrainian tank. The Russian one got stuck in the mud. Squirrel a few away and consume by 2029.
(Pérez Cruz Chaski 2018 Petit Verdot, Sustainable, DO Valle de Maipo Andes, Pérez Cruz, Chile, $29.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 25644, 750 mL,14.5%, RKS Wine Rating 91/100)
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