2022 Mendoza Merlot, Kaiken Ultra

• Style: Intense, structured Merlot with grippy tannins
• Taste: Cassis, red berry jam, spice, mineral grip from high-altitude soils
• Food: Grilled beef, rich charcuterie, aged cheeses, stews
• Occasion: Weeknight or Sunday lunch showstopper
• Serve: Now through mid-2020s, 14.5% ABV

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Intense ruby opening to pronounced cassis and red berry jam, touched by spice and the mineral imprint of Luján de Cuyo's alluvial soils. The structure is grounded and firm, with grippy tannins that frame the fruit without overwhelming it. At 14.5% alcohol with a touch of residual sweetness, it drinks with immediacy and warmth—a wine that rewards both now and with a few more years in the cellar.

The Winery — Kaiken

The Chilean house that crossed the Andes to establish in Mendoza, Kaiken sources from their own and controlled vineyards across the region's premium heartland. The 2022 vintage tested their mettle: a difficult season of frost and temperature swings compressed the harvest and demanded precision. They responded with classical discipline—a seven-day cold soak before fermentation in concrete tanks with natural yeasts, then a full three weeks of post-fermentation maceration to build structure and depth. Twelve months in French oak (one-third new, two-thirds seasoned) added depth without dominating the fruit. This single-vineyard release from Vistalba at 1,050 metres benefits from the broad diurnal swing and low humidity that let the grapes develop phenolic ripeness while retaining the acidity that gives the wine its grip.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This Merlot sits at the quality end of Mendoza's production, rewarding grilled or roasted beef, rich charcuterie boards, and full-flavored cheeses like Gorgonzola and aged Cheddar. It pairs beautifully with stews, braises, and roast dinners—the firm structure and dark fruit intensity demand full-flavored partners. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly, it's at its best now through the mid-2020s. If you're drawn to this darker fruit intensity and structure, explore the rest of our Argentina selection and our broader Merlot range—there's plenty of depth to uncover.