PalateMatch

Today I am tasting a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rapel Valley in Chile. The 2007 Walnut Crest Cabernet Sauvignon from Emiliana Vineyards which has achieved ISO 14001 certification for their commitment to the environment. In addition to Walnut Crest, Emiliana also produces the Natura brand. I found this bottle for under $6.

Color

Nice dark red color in the glass.

Aroma

The first thing I detect is a black currant aroma, but shortly after there is a earthy component. Almost like mushrooms. Very interesting.

Flavor

Beautiful fruit on the attack. Sweet cherries and raspberries. The mid palate has sour cherries and the finish is very long and spicy. This wine starts out super smooth and then finishes pretty aggressively due a little to the tannins but mainly due to the alcohol. It is hot on the end which might offend some tasters. Perhaps it is a little off balance. The oak treatment is also mild which I definitely appreciate. Overall it isn’t a big wine but should go well with many meat dishes and strong cheese.

Rating

I think this is a solid wine. It has enough fruit and other flavors/aromas to make it interesting and is surprisingly smooth. I rate it 89 points. It is certainly bringing good value.

Today I am tasting the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon by Cono Sur in a bottle with a nice screw top. I’ve previously spoken about their vineyards and reviewed the Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. I am still on the lookout for their Carmenere. I found this bottle for under $8.

Color

It is a dark red color, but not as dark as some cabernet sauvignon wines.

Aroma

It has an earthy aroma with hints of dark berries such as currant. I like the nose on this Cabernet Sauvignon.

Flavor

Blackberries and black cherries on the attack followed by sour cherries in the mid-palate. The finish is a bit quick and the alcohol (13%) is noticeable. I like the wine, but it is nothing outstanding and a bit simple. It isn’t overwhelmed by oak and is a good medium weight wine. It will pair well with pork and cheese.

Rating

I am a big fan of the environmental commitment of Cono Sur and the low price. This isn’t their best wine, but is a drinkable one. I rate it 87 points.

Have you tried a Cono Sur yet?

The Viña Anakena is another Chilean vineyard and winery that I’ve discovered recently. The vineyard’s name comes from the Chilean legend of the birdman which explains that the Easter Island seagull, or Manu Tara, hid its precious egg in a secret hideaway, or Anakena. Similar to Cono Sur, Anakena has a strong commitment to the environment. Anakena has a large selection of varietals and today I am tasting their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. It is labeled with the Condor Petroglyph and comes with a artificial cork (a good thing). This wine is 100% cabernet sauvignon and is not aged in oak barrels.

Aroma

Surprisingly the first thing I smelled was barnyard, but it isn’t overpowering. It is purely the terroir coming through with the damp soil smells. The nose also exhibits the aromas of dark fruits. But what is really the highlight and excites me the most about this wine is the presence of spices. I can detect pepper and a hint of burnt rubber.

Flavor

This is a full bodied wine with wonderful spices. It starts off with some sweet ripe fruit flavors at the start and finishes with black pepper flavors that linger. It is smooth, but not silky or velvety. It lasts a long time and doesn’t strike me as having much tannin. For my palate the fruit is a little muted, but I detect some blackberries, black currant, and perhaps even a hint of blueberry. The finish of this wine is one of the best I have had in a long time. I love the spicy finish and it even has a bit of sour cherry in it. Wonderful!

I’d pair this wine with grilled red meats, very strong cheese, or dark chocolate. It is screaming for a nice steak.

Rating

This is a good cabernet sauvignon. I have had some better ones with more texture (velvet, silky) and more complexity. However, I haven’t come across one under $10. And this Anakena is definitely a strong value. I am going to score this wine at 90 points and recommend it.

Have you tried it? I’d love to hear your thoughts, please leave a comment with your impressions below.