Winery: Concha y Toro
Wine: Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada 2006
Location: Central Valley, Chile
Purchased: The Corkscrew
Price: $17.99

We’ve long been drinkers of the $10 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a price performer and a wine that we know what we’re going to get when we pull out a bottle. Jonathan has always loved the Casillero del Diablo just a little more than me, picking up bottles of Merlot or Carmenére to sample. Maybe it was the name that got him hooked, cellar of the devil. I’m just not sure. So a couple of weeks ago he spotted the Reserva Privada and proceeded to tell me that he was going to get it the next time we bought a case. Naturally, I made fun of him for his obsession and accepted that we’d soon be having a bottle of the Reserva Privada.

(more…)

Winery: Casa Lapostolle
Wine: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Location: Rapel Valley, Chile
Purchased: The Corkscrew
Price: $13.99

Several weeks ago, our local wine store tasted the 2008 wine of the year, Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2005. Before tasting “the wine,” I sampled Casa Lapostolle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon so I could compare. While it was good, it didn’t compare to “the wine.” However, I mentioned it to Jonathan, and he was set on tasting it since he missed tasting Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2005.

(more…)

Winery: Viña Palo Alto

Wine: Reserva 2007

Location: Maule Valley, Chile

Purchased: Friar Tuck Beverage

Price: $8.51

 

At a recent wine tasting, Jonathan and I tried Viña Palo Alto Reserva 2007. Neither of us were blown away, what do you expect for $8.00? For the price, we decided to grab a few bottles. If nothing else, it could be our second bottle one evening. Trying to decide what bottle to open one evening, I suggested opening a bottle of the Viña Palo Alto Reserva 2007. I wanted to decant the wine since it was young to see if this would make a difference.

 

(more…)

Every Friday, our local wine store hosts “Friday at Five.” It’s their version of happy hour. They provide several wines by the glass for $5 and a special $10 premium pour. Jonathan and I had never been to a Friday at Five, we usually go to the tastings on Saturday. However, this week’s e-mail stated they would have an ultra premium pour. Wine Spectator’s 2008 wine of the year, Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2005, by the glass for $15. I was sold – I had to taste!

 

(more…)

 

Winery:  Veramonte

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006

Location: Colchagua Valley, Chile

Purchased: wine.com

Price: $9.99

 

Veramonte Estate began with less than 100 acres of grapevines in the Casablanca Valley of Chile in 1990. Coastal mountain ranges surround the estate creating a diverse microclimate. The valley’s cool floor is similar to Carneros in California, while the foothills are warmer, similar to Napa Valley. Today, Veramonte is one of the largest contiguous vineyards in Chile. It features over 1,100 planted acres of grapes. The vineyard is surrounded by 12,000 acres of natural, unplanted greenbelt that is habitat to native plants and animals, and a natural lagoon, which is home to more than two dozen species of migrating birds. The winery sits just 20 miles from the Pacific coast.

 

The winery utilizes the latest viticultural technology, including vertical trellising and dense vine spacing to balance growth and fruit production. Although, Veramonte’s vineyard produces lower yields than other grape growing regions in Chile, the grapes are more intense and concentrated.

 

The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a blend, featuring 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. It aged for eight months in French and American oak. The Colchagua Valley experienced perfect growing conditions this season with excellent ripening in March and April. The grapes saw extended hang time on the vines. This resulted in ripe flavors and soft tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a phenomenal wine, especially for the price.

 

Veramont’s Cabernet Sauvignon offers deep, ruby red colors in the glass. The fruit smells are noticeable the minute the wine emerges from the bottle. Strong aromas of blackberry, cherry and raspberry tickle the nose. However, a sip of this wine presents the drinker with notes of spice, cinnamon and mocha. The wine is exquisitely smooth and balanced. It’s  plush, velvety and creamy. The finish is long and bold. The intricacies of this wine are surprising, but delightful. Jonathan and I both enjoyed this wine and will make it a regular purchase.