Aristos Duque d'A Grand Cabernet 2010《Terroir Collection - TCH004》

Region : Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile

Grapes : Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol : 14.2%

Website : https://aristos.cl/notre-nature-en/

🏅 Wine Advocate 94 pts

🏅 Falstaff 93 pts

🏅 James Suckling 92 pts

🏅 Jancis Robinson 17/20

🏅 Vivino 4.3

François Massoc, founder and technical director of Aristos, is an oenologist from University of Burgundy and holds a Master’s degree in International Trade of Wine and Spirits from the Dijon School of Business. He is a member of what is seen as a “golden generation,” along with names like Beyer from Alsace, Courbet from Jura, Liger-Belair from Vosne Romanée, Guigal from the Rhône, Jobard from Meursault, Viennois from Chablis, and Croix from Beaune. In a career spanning 25 years, François has learned a variety of trades, including cooperage, and visited a multiplicity of terroirs and producers to broaden his perspectives on the world of wine.

After completing his studies in Burgundy, François Massoc embarked on a veritable procession through terroirs few had heard of: He worked at Latroun Abbey, located 30 kilometers from Jerusalem; on the paradisiacal island of Porquerolles, on the coast of Hyêres; in Alsace, Bolivia, and Chile. Eventually, decided to settle permanently in Chile and unleash all his knowledge and experience to craft wines that are perceived as French in Chile and Chilean in France. In other words, unparalleled, fine, and meaningful wines, capable of expressing the best of both worlds.

In 2003, he met architect and landscaper Nöelle Gueneau de Mussy, who was working in Entre-Deux-Mers. “I was captivated by her, but she was out of my league. She’s beautiful, cultured, devoted to her work, and I’m a big, unsophisticated guy,” he tells. Years later, their paths crossed one more time in Chile and were never separated again. Mathilde, Sophie and Hélène were born, and a winery became a life project. “I ruined her career in France. That’s why Nöelle owns it all now,” François jokes. Together with his wife Nöelle, he now controls and manages 100% of the business and is responsible for the entire Aristos value chain, from viticulture to marketing and sales.

In the winery located in Quillón, which Nöelle restored, François has state-of-the-art technology and all the tools and gadgets to experiment, vinify different lots from their vineyards, and make wines that faithfully express their origins. Nothing has been left to chance. The winemaker takes care of every detail, even selecting French forests for the barrel staves, and the ideal toasting to complement and enhance the typicity of the grapes. “We make a point of ensuring that everything is done in a sustainable way. For example, we use the liquid industrial waste to irrigate our vegetable garden and we distill the lees to make spirits. I have profound respect for the environment. I don’t take advantage of my size,” he banters.

François’ style is “particulier”, as they say in France. He keeps away from fads or recipes. He is committed to long-term, serious, and methodical work. He doesn’t fall for volume either. “I want people to drink and enjoy the best wines we’re capable of making,” he says. He feels he is a conservative, a purist, a mere interpreter of his grapes. He also sees himself as a patient guy. “Respect for the times of the wine is essential. I do not rush the processes to launch a wine ahead of time. My wines take as much time as they need to. They only leave the winery when I consider they are ready, when they are at their best,” he explains.

Duque cannot hide its aristocratic lineage. Its manners are refined, but its speech is always honest, eloquent, and sharp. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in small open tanks, without haste or sudden turns. Movements are always smooth. Always by gravity. François does not rush his yeasts, but keeps them happy and waits for them to finish their work. Fermentation can last several weeks. Sometimes, over a month. The winemaking process is all about delicacy, patience, and attention to details. The wine is aged in French

🏅 Wine Advocate 94 pts

The 2010 Duque D'A Cabernet Sauvignon is superb, in fact close to the benchmark 2014. It's juicy and balanced, clearly much better than my previous assessment.

🏅 Falstaff 93 pts

Strong ruby, purple reflections. discreet bright rim. Intense fresh berry fruit, hints of raspberry, lemony note, floral touch, an attractive bouquet. On the palate juicy cassis, freshly structured, fine tannins, mineral finish, good length, an aromatic style.

🏅 James Suckling 92 pts

A fruit-forward style of cabernet from Chile, yet it remains fresh and lively with pretty acid and tannin balance. Full body, fine tannins and a tangy finish. A high altitude wine from the Burgundy genius Louis-Michel Liger-Belair, Francois Massoc and Pedro Parra. Give it two or three years to come together.

🏅 Jancis Robinson 17/20

Lots of stoniness but masses of ripe fruit with an edge of leafiness. Lots of energy here. Really tastes intense and bright like a high-altitude wine.

$798/bottle