One of the things I like about merlot is how it can take on different personalities. This one, from the Maipo Valley region in Chile, is interesting with chocolate and spice notes that are rather unique. While it’s an interesting wine, it’s not the most elegant. In fact, I’d call it bold and brash.
It comes from Cousiño-Macul, which has a long history in Chile. It was founded in 1856 and is the oldest Chilean winery that is still run by its founding family. Like many wine producers, they offer a number of different tiers for their wine and this is from their “varietal” tier—which also happens to be their budget tier.
There’s nothing subtle about the nose of this merlot. It’s big and bold, offering cherry cola, blackberry, chocolate and nutmeg aromas. The palate is equally aggressive, with big fruit flavors such as raspberry, cherry, and blackberry. It has a tartness that will make you pucker. A dark chocolate note comes in toward the finish.
Wine: Cousiño-Macul Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 85
Price: $11.00
Find Cousiño-Macul Merlot with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.