“ Outstanding Cabs from Chile”

Some of the worlds oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines lie in Chile. The aphids epidemic called phylloxera that devastated most of the grape vines in Europe and North America never reached this South American country. Many of the cabs from Chile are therefore grown on original, ungrafted root systems. Whether or not this has something to do with better quality grape vines than grafted rootstock is a topic quite debatable, but does make this country unique in that fact. I believe that the soil and climate of Chile is probably the real reason for its excellent grapes. Much of the better Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are grown in a semi–arid Mediterranean climate, but are also protected by the Pacific Ocean on the West and receive the cooling effect of the Andean Mt. range on the East. This famous Bordeaux grape seems to be at home in this region and you can taste it almost every time you open up a bottle of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. This country offers great value cabs and also world class cabs full of personality and ageability. Many of the wineries that started in the 1800’s are still producing wine today. Names like Santa Rita, Concha y Toro and Los Vascos are still in operation and put out high quality wines worth seeking out. Look for the fabulous vintages from 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Here’s a list of some of my favorites that should be easy to find at a Westside Liquor store nearest you!

1) Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Res. Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Central Valley - Year after year this is one of the greatest value cabs for under ten bucks. Blackcurrant and dark cherry flavors with mocha. Nice finish for the price. 

2) Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Colchagua Valley – This is a favorite of mine for under the 15 dollar price point. Aromas of coffee and plum with flavors of blackberry and a hint of chocolate on the finish. 

3) Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Colchagua Valley – 50% of this winery is owned by the famous Rothschild(Lafite) family of Bordeaux. The quality of this wine is superb for the price. Ruby in color with aromas and flavors of strawberry and blackcherry. Well balanced with a touch of spice on the finish. 

4) Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Maipo Valley – This cab comes from a single estate in Alto Jahuel in the Maipo Valley. The color is dark ruby red and the wine has heady aromatics of cherry and blackcurrant. On the palate flavors of more dark fruits and blackcherry come to play with a velvety mouth feel and ripe tannins. 12 to 14 months in French oak round out the wine and the finish is impressive to say the least. Taste like a wine double to triple its price. The 2004 made Wine Spectators Top 100 Wines of the World list. The 2005 is also worth seeking out and should be in some stores.

5) Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Apalta vineyard, Colchagua Valley – First released in 1987 this cab has paved the way for many other premium cabs of Chile. The wine is estate bottled and comes from the Apalta vineyard. Its than aged for one year in French oak. Brilliant ruby in color with aromas of cassis, tobacco and vanilla. Ripe flavors of plum, blackcurrant, spice and a touch of chocolate complete the package. Wonderful length on the finish. The 1987 vintage was rated as one of the best ten year old red wines in the world by Wine magazine. Pretty amazing for a wine that sells for under 30 bucks. 

Hope you find a gem in this list that suits your fancy!

Jeff Anderson
Sommelier