2024 Laberinto - Sauvignon Blanc Cenizas (750ml)
Laberinto is the estate project of Rafael Tirado, who purchased land in the eastern Maule Valley, in the front range of the Chilean Andes, and planted his first vines there in 1993 on volcanic ash over granite. He now farms six parcels totaling twenty three hectares, several planted in winding rows that gave the estate its name, Spanish for labyrinth. Tirado built a small gravity fed winery on the property and is currently the only producer recognized within the ColbĂșn appellation, a distinction that reflects both his pioneering role in the area and his hands-on, single vineyard approach.
Cenizas comes from estate fruit grown on the edge of Lago ColbĂșn, planted with the historic UCD1 clone, among the earliest generations of Sauvignon Blanc brought to Chile and known for its wild character and natural intensity. The volcanic soils here contribute a distinct mineral undertone to the finished wine. Grapes were hand harvested, briefly macerated in the press, then fermented entirely in stainless steel and rested on the lees for several months, a hands-off approach meant to preserve the fruit's purity and the site's volcanic character.
The wine opens with a bright nose of guava, passion fruit, and lemon leaf, moving into a mineral driven mid-palate with soft notes of crushed rock. The finish is long and taut, carried by mouthwatering acidity and a faint saline edge. Its vibrant intensity makes it a strong match for raw oysters, ceviche, or a simple grilled white fish.