Our Wines

Our Wines

2014 Generaciones Gran Corte

The 2014 vintage of Chaiken Vineyards’ Generaciones Gran Corte is a blend of four varietals – 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Malbec, and 16.5% Cabernet Franc, and 16.5% Syrah.

Harvest:

All grapes were picked in April 2014 from vines planted in our own vineyard in 2007. Yields were 2 tons per acre.

Fermentation:

Grape varietals were fermented separately. After a cold maceration of 8-10 days at approximately 8-17°C (varied by varietal), yeast and nutrients were added and the stainless steel tanks were allowed to warm to encourage fermentation. The wines fermented dry in 24 days and were racked into 60% new French oak and 40% second-use French oak barrels. Final alcohol content is 14.7%.

Barrel Age, Blending, and Bottling:

After 8 months of initial barrel age, the wine was blended in stainless steel tanks and returned to the barrel for an additional 6 months of barrel age. The wine was bottled in June 2016 and arrived in the U.S. in March 2016.

Tasting Notes:

Rich, powerful, substantial wine with hints of black cherry, blackberry, and tobacco followed by strong mid-palate and lasting finish. Significant heft and body. Fruit forward now with aging potential of 20 years as varietals integrate and the wine becomes even more complex. Only 1787 bottles made.


2014 Malbec

The 2014 vintage of Chaiken Vineyards’ Generaciones Malbec is 100% Malbec.

Harvest:

Grapes were picked in April 2014 from vines planted in our own vineyard in 2007. Yields were 2 tons per acre.

Fermentation:

The Malbec underwent 5 days of cold maceration at 10°C. Yeast and nutrients were then added and the stainless steel tanks were allowed to warm to encourage fermentation. The wines fermented dry in 11 days and were racked into 100% new French oak barrels. Final alcohol content is 14.2%.

Barrel Age, Blending, and Bottling:

After 9 months of initial barrel age, the wine was blended in stainless steel tanks and returned to the barrel for an additional 5 months of barrel age. The wine was bottled in June 2015 and arrived in the U.S. in March 2016.

Tasting Notes:

Rich, powerful, fruit forward Malbec showing great body with hints of dark fruit, blackberry, raspberry and sweet tobacco. The wine shows a full mid-palate followed by a lasting finish. Tannins are showing now but will soften with decanting and bottle age. Aging potential is 18 years. Only 1500 bottles made.