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Product Details

K VINTNERS - EL JEFE 2006-07

Review by: Jay Miller
Wine Advocate: Issue 185, October 2009
Rating: 94 POINTS
points Drink after 2017
The deep crimson-colored 2006 El Jefe En Chamberlin is a blend of 75% Tempranillo and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 18 months in 40% new barriques. The soaring aromatics belie the wine’s barrel aging regimen. The most prominent features are tons of spice, mineral, incense, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, it exemplifies the image of iron fist in a velvet glove. Built for cellaring, this structured yet beautifully balanced effort will benefit from 8-10 years of patience by purchasers. When it comes to his wines, the otherwise wild and irrepressible Charles Smith is as serious as a heart attack. Native yeast fermentation, foot crushing, spontaneous malolactic fermentations, gentle basket pressing, no fining or filtration are routinely practiced in the cellar. Even more important, Charles Smith knows where to find the great grapes. In a region where blending is still the rule of thumb, he is the ultimate terroirist. His 2006 collection is as good or better than anything he has done to date, although a tasting of 2007 barrel samples indicate that the best is yet to come.
$74.99
  • Product Code
    734125
  • Availability
    1 in Stock