88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot from the Viña Quebrada de Macul. All told, a respectable wine for the price. Robust tannins suggest pairing this wine with cuisine that needs a firm counterpoint. Peñalolen 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley ($20) 91 Almost opaque in color, the Peñalolen Cabernet is distinct in its herbaceousness and cocoa and cherry aromas and flavors. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Parcela Coluvión in the Maipo Andes from vines planted in 1992 on the edge of the Pirque DO at 792m elevation on colluvial soils. The palate is a bit angular but sweet fruit flavors mimic the aromas and offer very pleasant drinking. There’s fragrant red currants and toasty oak on the nose with a light spicy black pepper note. The Cordillera de Los Andes Cabernet is an exceptional value and a delicious wine. Miguel Torres 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cordillera de Los Andes Reserva Especial Valle del Maipo ($20) 92 Medium dark red. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere, and 1% Petit Verdot sourced from the Palmilla DO where the Tinguinirica and Chimbarongo rivers meet. Doesn’t come up to the quality level of past vintages. The palate reveals some cassis fruit, but it’s dominated by earthy/herbal notes. Shows a spicy nose with black olive notes. Maquis 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Colchagua Valley (Palmilla DO) ($20) 89 Medium dark red. 14.5% alc Importer: Taub Family Selections The soils are maicillo gravel derived from granite. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah and 5% Carmenere from the Peralillo DO located in the Peralillo DO in the far west of the Colchagua Valley at 140m elevation and 40km from the Pacific. All told, a very pleasant, easy drinking wine. Red and black fruit flavors with touches of spicy oak show on a well-balanced palate finishing with lingering notes of cassis on a medium long finish. Los Vascos 2018 Cromas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Valle de Colchagua (Peralillo DO) ($22) 91 The Cromas Gran Reserva reveals fresh red fruit on the nose. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah and 5% Carmenere from Chada, Paine, in Maipo at 1330m elevation and planted on alluvial loam soils. The palate is similarly subtly flavored with a hint of earthiness but balanced and good, easy drinking. For wines seeing extended time in oak, one also finds elements of spicy, toasted oak and sometimes dark cocoa.Įcheverria 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition Valle de Maipo ($25) 89 Somewhat reticent aromas of dark red fruit and toasty oak followed by a smooth entry. Since many Cabernets have up to 15 percent of other varietals, the aromas and flavors of the wine can also take on some of the characteristics of the blending grapes. In addition, it’s not unusual to find touches of mint or sage on the nose of a Chilean Cabernet, and earth and tobacco notes on the palate. For more in depth coverage of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, read our report on Chile’s Premium Wine Revolution.Ĭhilean Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits the characteristics of the varietal-violet and lead pencil aromas and a firmly structured palate of cassis fruit with hints of black tea. As a group, wines in this range offer delicious drinking and excellent value. In this article, we review Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon at several price points, although most fall in the $20-25 range. Some of the wine made from these vineyards is of world class quality, while a large amount also makes its way into inexpensive bulk wine and entry level bottled wine. With extensive plantings, Cabernet can be found in a variety of sites and terroirs from the foothills of the Andes through the central valley and further west. Chile produces more Cabernet Sauvignon than any other varietal.
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