For a number of years I’ve been a big fan of Chilean wines due to the fact that you tend to get a lot of bang for your buck with wines from Chile. But that love of Chile is pretty much relegated to when I’m in the mood for “new world wines.” By that I mean that most bargain wines from Chile tend to be more fruit forward, big and aggressive versus lighter, more earthy and subtle as I find with “old world” wines.
And while I generally love crisp white wines from Chile, I find myself struggling at times with some of the reds. The main challenge I find is that sometimes Chilean red wines will give off a menthol aroma. I’ve found this most often in cabernet sauvignon. I don’t mind a little of it. It can make the wine interesting and give it character. But sometimes it’s just too strong.
The 2010 Apaltagua Signature cabernet sauvignon is an example of a wine that that shows some menthol. But fortunately the menthol isn’t overpowering and falls into the background as the wine opens up.
In addition to the menthol, it shows pencil shavings, black olive and black currant aromatics. The palate brings a really nice mouthfeel thanks to good acidity and tannins. The flavors include dense cherry, blackberry, apple peel and black currant. It finishes exceptionally long, with lingering apple peel and blackberry flavors. If you don’t find the menthol aroma to be too intense, this is a very enjoyable wine. Like I said, let it breath to calm down the menthol aromas if you find them too intense.
Wine: Apaltagua Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
Varieties: Cabernet sauvignon
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 88
Average price: $12.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
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