Great Value – Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Cabernet Sauvignon
Several years ago, when I first started doing wine reviews, I was a big fan of Chilean cabernet sauvignon. But then after a number of disappointing experiences I gravitated away from it. This, however, is a wine that once again makes me a fan.
This is one of the many brands produced by Concha y Toro — the biggest wine producer in Chile. This particular brand focuses on wines from along different rivers in Chile. The name “riberas” means river banks in Spanish. If you look closely at the label you’ll see Tinguiririca River mentioned on the label of this cabernet sauvignon, which is the river along which the grapes for this wine were grown. It’s within the Colchagua Valley, which happens to be my top region for good valued Chilean cabernet sauvignon.
What makes me love this wine is balance and depth. The nose brings rich, dark fruit aromas like blackberry and cherry, as well as spices like nutmeg and some earthy aromas. The palate is a similar story, with rich cherry and blackberry along with some chocolate and black pepper spice flavors. The acidity is perfect and the mouthfeel is nice. It finishes relatively long with lingering berry and spice flavors.
I honestly didn’t expect this wine to be as good as it is. But it is quite tasty and an exceptional value.
Wine: Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 90% cabernet sauvignon; 7% carmenere; 3% cabernet franc
Vintage: 2013
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 90
Price: $15.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.
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SUMMARYWhat makes me love this wine is balance and depth. The nose brings rich, dark fruit aromas like blackberry and cherry, as well as spices like nutmeg and some earthy aromas. The palate is a similar story, with rich cherry and blackberry along with some chocolate and black pepper spice flavors. The acidity is perfect and the mouthfeel is nice. It finishes relatively long with lingering berry and spice flavors. |
4.6
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I agree with this one, I’ve spent three times as much on a Cabernet that wasn’t in the same league! I think I paid $11.99 for it and it’s a winner. Unfortunately, I didn’t buy enough of it.
Thanks for your thoughts, Jim. Well said.
Very Nice Review Tim. I used to drink Cabernet Sauvignon of Okanagan Valley in Canada until i shifted towards Pinot Noir. After your review of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, i will definitely want to taste this one. Thanks for the review.