The Wines of Chile - Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted red variety in Chile and it is the grape credited with putting Chile on the world stage. It accounts for around 100,000 acres planted which is just over 20% of all vineyard plantings in Chile. These vineyards extend from Atacama in the country’s far north to the Araucania region midway down the coast – a distance of roughly 1000 miles.

But, the productive core of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is the Central Valley where three regions account for 97% of total planted surface area: O’Higgins (43,103 acres), Maule (38,338 acres) and the Metropolitan Region (14,807 acres). These regions span the area west of the Andes and on to the Pacific Coast, meaning that they include all the different terroirs of Chile.

So, within the O’Higgins region, for example, the Colchagua Valley covers two-thirds of the Cabernet Sauvignon planted, while the Maipo Valley boasts a historic core of vineyards in the Metropolitan Region.

Comparing and contrasting these two iconic Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon regions is where we’ll go next. Until then, Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Sinegal Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($79)

I recently had the opportunity to share a bottle of Sinegal Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. And, Wow, this one is amazing! Even at it’s young age.

Sinegal Estate is a family-owned winery in Napa that is situated on a 30-acre property. The winery was originally known as the Inglewood Estate in the late 1800s. The Sinegal family purchased the property in 2013 and fully renovated it.

This 2018 Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon is actually a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot.

It was fermented in 90% stainless steel and 10% oak tanks then aged for 20 months in 85% new French oak barrels. And, this new oak helped create this terrific wine.

This Cab is inky deep dark purple in color with rich dark fruit aromas. On the palate it has concentrated flavors of black cherry, dark red fruit and dark chocolate. The tannin in this wine is moderate and finishes beautifully.

This 2018 Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon is a splurge treat that’s well worth it! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wilson Creek White Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Wilson Creek White Cabernet Sauvignon ($10.97)

Yes. That’s right. A white Cabernet Sauvignon. Were you aware that you can make a white wine from a red grape? Well, here’s the proof! And, you can read more about how this is done in my recent posting.

This white Cabernet Sauvignon was such an unusual combination I just couldn’t wait to try it.

While it is a white wine it’s got just a slight hint of a red shade around the edges - not terribly surprising yet odd. And, the aromas are just not what you would expect from a Cabernet Sauvignon. They are not like a Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Gris, but they are also not like a Cab. It was so odd - it’s a white wine but smelled, well, just different. There was some sweet honey in the aroma along with melon and orange peel. Then the taste. Yours eyes see a white wine but the flavors just don’t fit what you’d expect. It really messed with my mind. So unusual. I kept trying to compare it to other wines but there’s no good fit. It was rich in flavor, low in acid and at 10.4% ABV a bit sweet.

If you can’t tell by now, this was such an odd wine. I probably should have evaluated it in a blind tasting to eliminate any preconceptions. But, if you are looking for a great conversation piece to enjoy with friends, pick this one up. And see if you can make sense of it! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)

In the spirit of American craftsmanship, this unique Cabernet Sauvignon from The Federalist represents the bold American tradition of aging in charred bourbon barrels.

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is from Lodi California.

On the nose it has bold aromas of berries, black cherry and plum. And, you can’t miss the smoky aroma imparted by bourbon barrels.

On the palate this Cab has bold flavors of fig, coco and spices. Its tannins are mellow and finishes with sweet caramel. Oh, and did I mention the bourbon barrel aging? The six months this Cabernet spends aging in the bourbon barrels really adds bold notes.

If you love a full-bodied wine this one goes beyond with its bourbon barrel aging. This big one was excellent with a juicy steak and mushrooms. And, it fits right in with the Behind the Cork™ theme of being affordable and attainable. Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Will Rogers, Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Hess Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Hess Collection Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)

This Hess Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon is from Napa Valley. It a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec. It’s aged in 33% New French and American oak barrels for 20 months.

The name Lion Tamer has become their nickname for Malbec because they use this grape as a blending variety to tame powerful tannins. They say “This Cabernet Sauvignon brings all the roar of Napa Valley and when blended with a touch of Malbec, produces a big, lush wine that finishes with smooth and tamed round tannins.”

Winemaker Dave Guffy states “Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon is plush in texture with heady aromas of blackberries, black cherries and notes of freshly ground coffee. We add a touch of Malbec to the blend to develop a softness in the tannins, making this a wonderfully smooth and seamless wine. These mouthwatering tannins surround the palate, framing layered elements of bright blueberry, toasty oak and deliciously rich mocha. I find this vintage of Lion Tamer Cabernet is perfectly balanced, with well-integrated vanilla oak notes presenting on the lengthy, elegant finish.”

I found this Lion Tamer Cab to have a big, full-bodied profile with great chocolate and vanilla notes from the oak aging. The tannins were firm but not over-powering and finished smooth with lingering flavor.

This is an exceptional Cab from Napa. If you are looking for a special wine for a special occasion, this one’s for you! Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications