Domus Aurea 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon – Royalty Status Wine
One of my “non-California wine” stories for the month. However, this vintage was so delicious I had to write about it! Domus Aurea (“House of Gold”) is a single-vineyard wine made from old vines in the renowned Clos Quebrada de Macul Vineyard just south of Santiago. It overlooks Chile’s oldest wine-producing region. Not dissimilar from Napa Valley or Russian River in California allowing the cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean to come up the river or San Francisco Bay. The area is known for their full bodied red wines with strong flavors of black cherry and bold tannins.
The Wine: 2015 Viña Quebrada de Macul “Domus Aurea” Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Domus Aurea, one of the better Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo, contains 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Production is 48% in new French oak barrels and aged for 16 to 18 months.
First on the eyes a radiant purple in the glass and medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, a blast of dark cherries, combined with oak and tannins awakes you instantaneously! But once opened and swirled for a while, you get the “real character” of this wine. Fresh cherries and hidden chocolate present themselves with freshness and balance. Something else was on the nose and a mystery until the second glass – a soft eucalyptus note that was truly enticing. On the palate, the purple and black fruits danced in merriment and were only calmed down with the earthiness of the region. The finish was like having a heavy Cabernet Sauvignon aged in oak from Napa. This was a “he-man Cabernet Sauvignon” and not for the faint-hearted red wine drinker. Right up my alley. It is unfiltered and the tannins were very present with just the right amount of angular enjoyment. Wine maker Jean-Pascal Lacaze produced one of the better wines coming out of this region. Robert Parker even rated it 95 points! Pricing is $74.95 for the current release of 2019.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Last night enjoyed a seared barbequed filet mignon and served medium rare. Topped off with a dollop of Roquefort, butter and chives compote. Accompanying the meal was a Russet potato, artichoke and a fresh garden salad. A meal and wine fit for royalty.
Second time enjoying a vintage of Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon and definitely not my last!!!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 