A stunning Cabernet bargain, even at its normal $30 price. Two-thirds of this, in fact, comes from the same vineyard as the 100-point and $150 icon 2018 Don Melchor – and it’s made by the same oenologist as Lafite, Latour, Mouton and Margaux! And many of the vines are over 100-years-old.
The leading Chilean wine publication, Decorchados, rates this 94 points, saying:
For this cabernet, Concha y Toro uses two of its traditional sources of the variety, one in Puente Alto and the other in Pirque, both on the alluvial terraces of the Maipo River, near the foot of the Andes in the Maipo Alto. The nose expresses the classic aromas of that Andean location—the herbal and slightly earthy aromas and the ripe red fruits. The palate is friendly and juicy, and the tannins have enough grip to lend the sensation of a solid structure, firmly planted in the ground. Give this cabernet at least three years to start showing complexity.
(This review is from 2022, so it’s just about perfect now.)
Also outstanding for Suckling at $29:
Blackberries, ripe cherries, chili chocolate, cedar, walnuts and charcoal on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Polished, silky and creamy finish. Pretty cabernet. Drink now or hold.
Also outstanding, a 5-star value and the top vintage for Master Sommelier John Szabo, who says:
Nicely lifted, minty, fresh and also fruity cabernet here from Concha y Toro's classic Marques de Casa Concha range, one that's been in positive evolution for some vintages now. Wood is now a modest flavour influence, allowing ripe but still fresh black fruit flavours to dominate on a dry and balanced frame, richly-flavoured in the price category to be sure, with broad but supple tannins and soft acids. There's a notable lick of salinity on the finish as well that creates desire for additional sips. Well made and satisfying all in all; drink or hold 2-5 years. Tasted March 2022.
Also outstanding for Vinous, the Wine Enthusiast and Tim Atkin.
