My exploration of inexpensive cabernet sauvignon has given me an affinity for Chilean wine.  I’ve found a number of good, affordable bottles of cabernet from Chile, and this review reveals yet another example.

The Cousiño Macul winery was founded in 1856 by Matías Cousiño and has remained in the Cousiño family since its inception.  It is now owned and managed by its sixth generation of Cousiños. 

The vineyards reside in the Maipo Valley—the oldest wine growing region in Chile.  The soil is well drained and rich with minerals.  The Maipo Valley is known to have a long growing season, with conditions that are ideal for grapes.  These conditions and years of winemaking experience are apparent when you taste this wine.

This is a nice earthy, full-flavored cab.  Tobacco, leather and a little cherry make up the nose.  The palate is luscious with strawberry, cherry, pepper and mineral flavors.  Nice, silky tannins make it all go down smooth.  The only real drawback was that it had a rather short finish.  But I can live with that if everything else is in order.  I gave this one an 88 and that’s not bad for $8.99.

Wine: Cousiño Macul
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol: 14% 
Rating: 88
Price Paid: $8.99