VIK, Cachapoal Valley, Chile, 2012

VIK is a boutique family operation in the Cachapoal Valley that produces seriously well made and enjoyable wines. This Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere blend - with a dash of Merlot and Syrah - is a prime example. Remarkably, this was also their first vintage. Having been aged in French barriques for 24 months, this is full, ripe and rich without being overwrought. The interplay of dark plum and blueberry fruits with notes of camphor and fennel seed is both seductive and compelling.