Thanks to its unique terroir, VIK has become one of the most prestigious wineries in the Cachapoal Valley. Alluring meaty aromas combine with a chocolate-laden earthiness in the nose of this big and broadshouldered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah, which features an inky depth of concentrated black fruit and a luscious texture. Tongue-coating notes of espresso and dark chocolate are spiked with white pepper and balsamic; oak rides in on a creamy wave on the finish.

Elegant and finely crafted, with sinewy power to the blueberry, dried cherry, plum compote and raspberry flavors. Rich, smoky nuances emerge midpalate, featuring a creamy finish that offers plush chocolaty accents and minty savoriness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2025. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported

The 2014 Vik was produced with a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 13% Carmenere, and this time they decided to forego the Merlot. It fermented after a cold soak, went through malolactic in barrel and matured in French oak barrels, 90% of them new, for 25 months. I noticed a big change between this and the 2013. I feel more freshness here, even if the alcohol is similar and the year was warmer. But there is a lot more Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (and from 2015 there is no Carmenere in this wine), and they also changed the harvest date, looking for ripe tannins (and no greenness) without loosing the freshness. There is also a little less new oak (and there is less and less in the following years, only 60% in the 2017), only a little less, but the integration feels better. I feel a change between this 2014 and the 2013. 16,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2016.

Stewy berry aromas are a touch soupy and herbal, with green notes and a hint of raisin. In the mouth, this is saturated, chewy and dense. Baked berry, black plum, cocoa and baking spice flavors finish steady but a touch flat. This is an excellent Chilean red by all standards, but one with limitations. Drink through 2025.