Today I am tasting the 2008 Hacienda Araucano Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Valle de Colchagua in Chile. This Cabernet Sauvignon based wine was purchased for under $11. The Araucano is a very interesting tree in Chile and let’s hope this wine is as interesting.
Color
In the glass this wine is a medium garnet red in color.
Aroma
On the nose this wine exhibits a very good earthy component combined with ripe blackberry notes. In addition there is a hint of cloves and some cedar. Not a bad nose but it definitely indicates a New World style.
Flavor
On the attack I detect lots of dark cherry notes which are quite sweet. The mid-palate has some sour cherry joining the sweet fruit and the finish is long with medium tannins. I found the finish to be a little too hot. Considering that this wine is 13.5% alcohol, I would have expected the fruit to keep the heat in check.
Rating
This Cabernet Sauvignon was not a good match for me and I believe there are better choices at this price range. I found the fruit to be too simple, sweet and syrupy for me. I rate it 84 points.
