95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2022 Cenizas de Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc is sharp and vibrant, with 12.6% alcohol, a pH of 3.04 and 8.77 grams of acidity. It was produced with grapes from vines planted in 1993 on volcanic ash soils. In 2022, Tirado macerated a bit more, looking for a little more structure. The wine didn't go through malolactic and was bottled after eight months with lees. This is sharp as a knife, with subtle aromas of meat broth and savory rather than floral or exotic, less varietal, complex, austere and mineral, with a rocky sensation. It's textured and tasty, clean, long and nuanced, fresh and balanced, with the cool sensation of the cold nights. He's worked a lot through decantation to be able to bottle the wine unfiltered, and the wine is bright and clean. It's an amazing wine, one of the finest values in Chile. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2022. Experience with older vintages tells me this wine is going to develop nicely in bottle.

95pts Descorchados

This is a selection of four different sectors of sauvignon blanc vineyards, planted on volcanic soils overlooking Lake Colbún, at the foot of the Andes in the Maule Valley. It's a cool place, and the temperatures were accentuated by the cold 2022 season, which resulted in an electric sauvignon with herbal notes and tart white fruit in a body that's light yet full of nerve and tension. The flavors are long, and the fruity sensation lingers long on the palate. A great vintage of one of Chile's best sauvignons, and one of the few that doesn't come from the coast, but from the Andes.

Winery Notes

This hand harvested, single vineyard, 100% estate Sauvignon Blanc is from vines that Rafael Tirado planted himself in 1993. This SB has a bright nose with Guava, passion fruit, and lemon leading to a mineral mid palate and soft undertones of crushed rock. The volcanic ash from the vineyard adds to this minerality and sustained finish. The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in 100% stainless steel which leads to a very juicy and refreshing wine.

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

Region / Location: Colbún, Maule, Chile

Vineyard: Laberinto,12 acres, planted in 1993

Altitude: 1,800 ft 

Farming Practices: Organic

Soil Type: Volcanic

Trellis System: Vertical Trellis

Yield: 2.9 tons/acre

Stem Inclusion: None

Yeast: Selected and Native

Winemaker: Rafael Tirado

Élevage: Unoaked

Lees Contact: 6 months in Stainless Steel tank

Filtration Method: Unfiltered

Maceration / Fermentation: The grapes were macerated in the press for 4 to 6 hours at 11°C. Before pressed and then into alcoholic fermentation.