Wine Review: Kalfu Kuda Pinot Noir 2017

Kalfu means "blue" in the language of the Mapuche, the indigenous inhabitants of Chile, and for the Mapuche, Kalfu is synonymous with the magnificent Pacific Ocean that borders Chile's western coastline. A coastline blessed with an exceptional cool climate, constant refreshing breezes and early morning fogs that enforce a slow, steady ripening period for grapes, helping to create balanced, elegant wines. Kalfu is produced in Chile by Ventisquero, a winery dedicated to creating outstanding wines in a sustainable fashion.

I'm reviewing two wines by Kalfu this week. I already reviewed the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc on Thursday and now it's time for the 2017 Pinot Noir. For some reason Chilean Pinot Noir isn't really something you see much of around here, unless it's the lesser quality stuff. But this one isn't a $7.99 magnum or a 2 for $12 deal; it'll will run you $19 in a standard bottle.

This is 100% Pinot Noir from the granitic clay soil of the Las Terrazas Vineyard in Leyda Valley, Chile. The grapes were harvested early in the morning of March 20th to 23rd, were further selected and destemmed, underwent cold fermentation for 7-10 days, and saw fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 12°C and 15°C. Then 100% of the wine spent 12 months in French oak (10% new, 20% in second use, and 70% in third or fourth use). It has a 14% ABV.

The color of the wine is garnet with some pretty damn good clarity. There's a soapy floralness over aromas of black cherries, plums, vanilla, tobacco, and a touch of mint. On the palate it's medium bodied with a lush mouthfeel, moderate acidity, and chalky tannin. And oh those chocolate and black cherry flavors. That's sexiness right there, m'lady. There's also midpalate flavors of strawberries, vanilla, and a few flakes of tobacco. Very rarely is the midpalate my favorite part of a wine these days but it is with this one. Then it finishes with a thick coating of black cherries and chocolate, and black pepper also comes in to spice it up like Cardi B.

This is not what you want if you're looking to go Burgundian style. But it's a fruit-forward, low-acidity Pinot that is absolutely worth the asking price. I loved it.

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $19

Rating: 4/5 = Recommended (what does that mean?)

The bottle used was supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.