TerraNoble Lahuen Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, 2018
TerraNoble Lahuen Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, 2018
- 75cl
- 14%
- Red Still
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2032
About TerraNoble Lahuen Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, 2018
A rich and expressive red wine crafted from the Maipo Alto and Los Lingues areas of the Colchagua Valley.
This blend, composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon along with Syrah, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Malbec, strikes a perfect balance between intensity and elegance. The bouquet bursts with ripe red and black fruits, mirrored on the palate, where the wine shows exceptional concentration and depth of flavour. Fine, rounded tannins, enhanced by oak aging, add structure and a velvety finish.
As the flagship wine of TerraNoble, it exemplifies the winery’s commitment to excellence. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and aging in a combination of large oak foudres and small oak barriques for up to 18 months, depending on the grape variety. The final blend was then refined with an additional 12 months of bottle aging.
Currently in its prime drinking phase, the 2018 Lahuen shows beautiful integration of fruit, oak, and tannin after eight years. The primary dark fruit flavours are beginning to develop secondary complexity, with tobacco and cedar notes becoming more pronounced. Over the next 3-4 years, we expect the tannins to soften further whilst maintaining the wine's structural backbone. The wine should reach its peak plateau around 2028-2030, where fruit and savoury elements will achieve perfect harmony. Beyond 2032, the wine will likely begin its gentle decline, though the quality of the vintage suggests graceful aging rather than abrupt deterioration.
What the critics say:
"A medium-to full-bodied red with aromas of spiced plum, blackberry, tobacco leaf, lemon zest and caramel. Firm, fine-grained tannins frame deep layers of dark fruit and spice. Structured and focused. Drink or hold."
"It’s back to Chile for the glorious 2018 TerraNoble ‘Lahuen’. Produced only in the finest years with the finest fruit, Lahuan (which means ‘medicinal water’ in local dialect) is a blend of Cab Sauv, Syrah, Carménère, Cab Franc and Malbec. Silky smooth, with gentle tannins and bags of rich, ripe dark fruit, it has a teasing touch of sweetness and spice before finishing perfectly, satisfyingly dry. I love this wine. A Bordeaux of similar style, quality and age would be twice the price at least. Only 230 cases made."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep garnet with a dense, almost opaque core and ruby highlights at the rim.
NoseThe aromatics burst with ripe blackberry and spiced plum, layered with tobacco leaf and cedar from careful oak integration. We detect subtle hints of caramel and dark chocolate, with a whisper of lemon zest adding brightness. There's an underlying minerality that speaks to the granite soils of Maipo Alto.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with exceptional concentration and depth, the wine shows beautiful integration of its five varieties. Dark fruit flavours mirror the nose, supported by fine-grained tannins that provide structure without overwhelming. The oak aging has contributed a velvety texture and subtle spice, whilst maintaining the wine's essential fruit character.
FinishLong and satisfying, finishing perfectly dry with lingering dark fruit and a gentle grip of tannin.
Overall impressionA wine that demonstrates Chilean winemaking has truly come of age, offering Bordeaux-like complexity with New World generosity.
Food Pairings
In Chile's Central Valley, this style of wine would traditionally accompany asado - slow-grilled beef over wood coals, often served with pebre salsa and sopaipillas. The local preference for cordero al palo (spit-roasted lamb) seasoned with merkén (smoked chilli) makes an excellent match for the wine's spiced fruit character. Cazuela de cordero, a hearty lamb stew with pumpkin and green beans, echoes the wine's earthy complexity. Chilean empanadas filled with pino (seasoned beef and onions) provide a perfect casual pairing, whilst the traditional Sunday meal of pastel de choclo (corn and meat pie) complements the wine's richness without overwhelming its elegant structure.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the wine's complexity to fully express itself. Decant for 45 minutes to an hour, which will help integrate the still-firm tannins and allow the aromatics to open fully. Use large Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the bouquet and provide sufficient surface area for proper aeration. If serving without decanting, open the bottle at least 30 minutes before pouring to let it breathe.
The fruit for Lahuen comes from two distinct terroirs: Maipo Alto's alluvial soils and granite subsoils provide structure and minerality to the Cabernet Sauvignon, whilst Los Lingues in the Colchagua Valley contributes warmer-climate richness from red clay over limestone. Both sites benefit from the Andes' cooling influence and dramatic diurnal temperature variation. The combination allows each variety to ripen fully whilst retaining natural acidity, creating the foundation for this blend's remarkable balance between power and elegance.
Colchagua Valley has emerged as one of Chile's most prestigious red wine regions, stretching from the Andes foothills to the Pacific coastal ranges. The valley's diverse microclimates and soil types allow for exceptional Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Unlike the more internationally recognised Maipo Valley, Colchagua offers warmer days tempered by cool nights, producing wines of greater concentration and ripeness. The region has gained recognition for premium blends that rival traditional Bordeaux estates at a fraction of the price.
The 2018 vintage in Maipo Valley delivered one of those seasons that reminded everyone why this appellation built Chile's reputation in the first place. Spring arrived with enough rain to fill the underground reserves without waterlogging the vines, followed by a long, steady summer that let the grapes ripen at their own unhurried pace. We love vintages like this because they showcase terroir rather than dramatic rescue stories—the winemakers could focus on finesse rather than damage control.
What emerged from those gentle conditions were Cabernet Sauvignons with proper backbone and that distinctive Maipo cassis character, whilst the Carmenère showed more structure and less of the green pepper that can dominate in cooler years. The wines have a lovely density without heaviness—think concentrated fruit wrapped in fine tannins rather than the blockbuster style that defined earlier decades. Most are drinking beautifully now, though the best Cabernets will happily cellar until 2030 and beyond.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Rich and structured with spiced plum and blackberry flavours, complemented by tobacco leaf, cedar, and caramel notes from careful oak aging. The wine shows beautiful concentration with fine-grained tannins and a velvety finish.
When is the best time to drink this wine?
The 2018 is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity until 2032. It's in its prime phase where fruit and oak have integrated whilst maintaining freshness and structure.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Perfect with grilled red meats, particularly beef and lamb. Try it with Sunday roast, barbecued steaks, or hearty stews. The wine's structure also complements aged hard cheeses and charcuterie.
Should I decant this wine?
Yes, decant for 45 minutes to an hour to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatics to fully develop. If you don't have a decanter, simply open the bottle 30 minutes before serving.
How does this compare to similar Bordeaux wines?
According to The Spectator's Jonathan Ray, a Bordeaux of similar style, quality and age would cost at least twice the price. This offers exceptional value whilst delivering the complexity and structure associated with premium French blends.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
With proper storage, this wine will reward patience until 2032. However, it's already showing beautifully and there's no need to wait - the choice between immediate pleasure and future complexity is yours.
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