The Neyen winery was founded in 2002 on the site of one of Apalta's first wineries, built in 1890. Pre-phylloxera Cabernet Sauvignon vines were brought straight from France in 1889, bonding to Apalta’s unique soils. And in 1936, when Carmenere vines took root, the spirit grew stronger, filling the air with an inexplicable energy. Granitic, volcanic soils from the mountains, along with river’s clay loam soils, allow for natural drainage. These unique conditions, together with a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, result in a slow ripening of the grapes, achieving balance and elegance.

BLEND: 50% Carmenere, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

AGE OF VINES: 35 – 120 years

OWNERSHIP: Agustin Huneeus family, proprietors of Quintessa in Napa Valley.

"The attractive, enticing bouquet leads to a textured, graciously woven combination of flavours. It is velvety and sumptuous on the palate with a long finish." Jeannie Cho Lee 91 pts.

"A complex nose of toasty oak, pencil lead, spice box, sage and blackberry.Plush on the palate, it has layered fruit, succulent flavors and a finish which is long and pure." Robert Parker 92 pts.

"The long, grippy finish is well-integrated. Offers a nice combination of purity and power." Wine Spectator 92 Pts.

"Lush, sappy dark fruit flavors display liqueur-like depth but are light on their feet, with tangy minerality adding lift and cut. An impressively rich but suave blend with excellent finishing clarity and lingering spiciness." Stephan Tanzer 92 Pts.