2009 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

My first experience with Concha y Toro wines from Chile was in the mid 80's when I was a wine merchant in Buckhead. I was delighted by the pleasure of such an in-expensive wine! Over the years Concha y Toro has continued to be a value leader, producing wines which are well worth more than their purchase price. They produce several labels at different price points, of which the Casillero del Diablo is always a best buy.

The 2009 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon is the latest in a series of vintages to receive solid scores in the wine trade, and I would give the 2009 a 90. The wine is a beautiful dark red color, which just looks pretty as you pour it. The nose opens with a burst of cherries, plums and cassis. The flavor abounds with the cherry and plum accents, and I confess that the cherry flavor in Cabernet Sauvignon is my personal favorite. The finish is strong and clean with mild tannin overtones obtained from 70% oak aging. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and releases no heat at all into the wine.

You would have a long search to find a better Cabernet Sauvignon in the $10 to $12 range. This one pairs well with steak or other grilled meats, and we enjoyed it with a meaty beef and Italian sausage spaghetti, "Oh Mama Mia!"

Price: $9 to $13

Score: 90

Norm

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