Los Rosales Don Manuel Block Single Vineyard Selection Merlot 2016

This barrel aged Merlot is from a manicured single vineyard of premium fruit belonging to one of Chile's oldest wineries, Viña La Rosa. A sixth generation estate founded in 1824, its vineyards share a similar history to that of many of Chile's other top estates. Back in the 19th century it was fashionable for wealthy young Chileans to 'gap year' in France, and many returned with vine cuttings from Bordeaux for their own estates. As luck would have it, the climate proved ideal for these varieties. As critic Joanna Simon notes, "Cabernet and Merlot are grown almost everywhere, but few countries achieve such textbook flavours at such keen prices as Chile" (Sunday Times). Indeed, very few match this Merlot. Enjoy with roast lamb or rich stews.