The 2014 Manso de Velasco comes from an old Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in approximately 1900, ungrafted from a massal selection in the commune of Molina in Curicó that has survived though changes and different eras. 2014 was a low-yielding year as a result of spring frost coupled with the lack of rain and high temperatures later on. Despite all that, the wine is only 13.5% alcohol and has retained good freshness. It has marked varietal character with intense balsamic and minty aromas, keeping its poise and avoiding excess maturity. The palate is well built, with intensity and clout from naturally low yields. It's classical and polished, with an elegant and soft palate. They think of this as a wine to lay down and drink with years. To demonstrate that, they uncorked a 1987 that was still alive and kicking, with intense aromas of paprika (merken) and rusty nails, a polished palate and fully resolved tannins. The style nowadays seems to be juicier and sleeker, with a little more ripeness and a creamier texture but should age for a while.
