Description

While I have waxed poetically about the Uruguay red and white wines from Garzon and Bouza, the most compelling red wine from our trip to the country in January was easily the flagship proprietary red blend “Preludio” from Bodegas Familia Deicas in the Canelones region in the hills north of Montevideo above the Atlantic coastline.  Problemo!  Getting some here! 

After working with owner Santiago Deicas and his Florida importer, I am so very pleased to announce we have been able to secure a special release order of ten – 6pks from the winery’s very unique Preludio underground cave of the spectacular 2018 Preludio.   The winery occupies a former Jesuit monastery with stone caves built in 1830.  First produced in 1992, Preludio is barrel aged in this naturally passive and humid environment which contributes to the wine’s unique character.  We were fortunate to tour the cave and even luckier to have the 2018 Preludio included in our appointment’s tasting line up. 

The Preludio 2018 is dazzling to drink now, but the wine’s track record guarantees excellent aging potential for another 15+ years.  This is a masterful, perfectly balanced blend of 52% Tannat, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot with 1% each of Marselan and Cabernet Franc.  Aging occurs in both used and a small percentage of new French and American oak barrique barrels for up to 30 months. 

Recently at home we immensely enjoyed a sample bottle shipped to us from the importer with Renee’s rack of lamb.  This glorious wine showcases a dark purple cloak with aromas of black fruits, anise, crushed black pepper, and earthy minerality.  But ever more appealing is the yin and yang tension of finesse and elegance vs. restraint and power.  Smooth, supple and rich with well supported and integrated tannin, expect an extra-long finish which is tell-tail to this wine’s legacy and expected aging potential.  14% alcohol.

James Suckling has reviewed the Preludio ’18 at 96 points. – “Lively purple with violet hues.  High concentration that manifests in its legs; very elegant and persistent.”

So highly recommend.  Hope you are one of the lucky ones to score some!   Serious wine at just $48.95 a bottle.