2018 Tabali Malbec Cabernet Franc Vetas Blancas

Viña Tabalí is located in the Limarí Valley in Chile, known to be one of the most promising Valleys in all of Chile. It’s worth noting that although BHW staff have tasted thousands of wines from Chile, we feature only a small handful that passes our stringent tasting panel.

This property originally founded by Guillermo Luksic is currently managed by his son Nicolás Luksic and is constantly improving with new growth and innovation. “What we seek is to produce high-quality wines that demonstrate their origin, that when tasted, transfer the person to the soil and climate that characterizes the Tabalí vineyards. That was what my father always wanted to convey”, says Nicolás.

Tabalí has a strong focus on quality.The Winery is a small-scale, exclusive, family winery focused on details. It is built in such a way that the fruit and wine are transported by gravity. The winery aims to avoid any unnecessary pumping and relies on nature to do the work wherever possible.

Felipe Müller, Tabalí’s winemaker since 2006, was born and raised in Santiago, Chile’s capital. Today, at the age of 41,he is considered one of the country´s most influential and important winemakers.

In 2001 he joined Viña De Martino as the second winemaker, in charge of viticulture as well as the vinification of red and white wines. In this winery, he worked with winemaker Marcelo Retamal, and formed a bold and renowned "Wine Dupla". Together they discovered new wines, studied various valleys, and regions of Chile, and vinify around 350 vineyards throughout the country.

Felipe harvested two famous Chateaux Grand Cru Classé in Saint Emilion, France: Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere and Chateau La Mondotte.

Felipe Müller was named "Best Winemaker of the Year" in the sixteenth version of Guía de Vinos de Chile 2010, Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wine industry publication. This distinction was an important recognition of the enthusiasm, passion, and dedication he puts into crafting wines. “Wine is my passion and an important part of my life. I feel capable of leveraging the knowledge I’ve built throughout these many years", says Felipe.

In the year 2011, Felipe was appointed Manager Director, keeping his position as Chief Winemaker. From then Felipe was not only responsible for the quality of the wines but also for the global strategy of the company.

In January 2014 Felipe Müller was chosen ‘Best Young Winemaker’ (next to Aurelio Montes who was chosen Best Senior Winemaker).

The grape to produce 2018 Tabali Malbec-Cabernet Franc Vetas Blancas comes from El Espinal vineyard, in the coastal area of the Valley. This vineyard is located on theoldest alluvial terrace in the coastal sector of the Limarí Valley.With a cool climate, alluvial soils, and volcanic rock compounds, the terroir of this area is ideal for producing high-end wines.

Aging: 100% French Oak Barrels for 14 months.

60% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Franc. Deep red color. Elegant on the nose, with aromas of red fruits such as blueberries, cherries, floral and spicy notes. Great structure on the palate, firm tannins, and perfect balance. Pair this wine with a nice grilled burger or pasta.

I love the 2018 Vetas Blancas Malbec-Cabernet Franc, produced with 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Franc. It combines the floral character from the Syrah and the more austere, herbal and fresher profile of the Cabernet Franc. The two grapes show really integrated and complement each other. It's floral and spicy, with fine tannins and a dry, serious finish. This is ripe at 14.5% alcohol, with a medium body and nice balance and freshness. 36,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2021. ~93 Points, Robert Parker. 

Sweet fruits are mixed here with herbal and spicy touches, in a blend of 60% malbec and 40% cabernet franc, both planted ten years ago on alluvial soils, rich in lime, on the banks of the Limarí River, in the Espinal vineyard. An easy-drinking wine, with violet tones from the Malbec, added to a good dose of herbal and tobacco flavors from the Cabernet Franc. Go for a plate of mature cheeses. ~93 Points, Descorchados. 

A medium-to-full-bodied red with blueberry, violet, sandalwood, and dried-herb aromas. Firm, creamy tannins frame a plush core of berry and spice. Succulent and flavorful. 60% malbec and 40% cabernet franc. Drink or hold. ~92 Points, James Suckling. 

~92 Points, Tim Atkin. 

The 2018 Vetas Blancas is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Franc from Limari that was aged for 14 months in French barrels. Purple in the glass. The nose delivers herbs and spices over a backdrop of plum and candy. Voluminous in the mouth thanks to the Malbec, the flow is constrained by the Franc. All in all. a very successful pairing. ~91 Points, Vinous Media. 

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of This Wine***