Vik Winery, Colchagua Valley (Chile) “StoneVik” 2023

VIK’s Head Winemaker, Cristián Vallejo, continues to push boundaries, and StoneVik, a natural wine, may be his boldest endeavor yet. For this creation, French barrels are toasted using oak from the estate’s own trees. Native yeasts from VIK’s “fleuroir” program are central to the winemaking process. Vallejo also collaborated with a local artisan to craft amphorae from estate clay. These amphorae are strategically placed to align with the movement of the sun, creating lines of light similar to Stonehenge. On December 21st, the Chilean Summer Solstice, the light will form perfect lines across the amphorae. The blend, led by Cabernet Franc (77%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (19%) and Carménère (4%), offers smooth, layered tannins, vibrant acidity, and a subtle minerality imparted by the amphora. Aromas of ripe black fruit intertwine with herbal and spice notes. The buzz around natural wine is justified when the wine is as pure and full of energy as this marvelous example.
97 Miranda Franco