Kaikenes are wild geese, native to Patagonia, that fly across the Andes between Chile and Argentina. In the same way, Montes, the Chilean winery, crossed the Andes to set up in Mendoza. Their vineyards are situated in the heart of Mendoza and further to the south in where many of the premium producers are now sourcing their fruit. The focus is primarily on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that has been somewhat forgotten as Malbec has surfed one wave of success after another in the past decade. As a result, there are many old vineyards in Mendoza that produce excellent fruit. Kaiken’s own vineyards supply 70% of their production requirements and 30% is from vineyards that they control.

Vineyards
Grapes are sourced from 50 year old vines located in the First Zone (Agrelo, Lunlunta and Pedriel). Here, soils are sandy, creating ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Plants are trained to the vertical shoot positioning system and yield seven and a half tonnes per hectare.

Vinification
Grapes were selected and harvested by hand. Once picked, fruit underwent pre-fermentation cold maceration in tank for seven days at 10C. Yeasts were then added, initiating 12 days of alcoholic fermentation at temperatures of 25-28C. Malolactic fermentation lasted a total 15 days, after which point 80% of the wine was transferred to French oak for 12 months of barrel ageing.

Tasting Notes
Ruby red in colour. Elegant and complex, showing hints of mature red berries, tobacco and spices accompanied by vanilla notes. A dense, mouth filling wine showing plum, redcurrant and mocha flavours, displaying good structure with ripe, round and soft tannins.