About Bordeaux Varietals from Chile

About Bordeaux Varietals from Chile
Chile is today the 10th largest wine producing country in the world. Production is up slightly since 2010, but down a bit since 2012 and 2013. For years much of the wine was produced from the warm Central Valley, which corrected varietally correct, if unexciting whites and reds meant for retail stores. While these wines still represent a large share of Chile's wine, the industry has made a necessary shift over the past ten years to producing more terroir-driven wines. Dozens of artisan producers in cool climates not far from the Pacific Ocean have planted varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc in greater numbers. In fact, this last variety has produced outstanding results in the San Antonio and Leyda valleys and has been praised my many critics as among the world's finest. The most recognized Chilean wines, in terms of prestige, are the Cabernet Sauvignons of Maipo Valley, just south and east o the capital city of Santiago, are remarkable New World reds with ripe black currant fruit, good acidity and round, soft tannins. Many of these wines are capable of aging for 15-20 years, while a select few compare favorably with their premium counterparts from Napa Valley in California. However, as Chile does not have as esteemed a reputation as California, the Chilean Cabernets are much more reasonable priced. Given the ideal climatic conditions throughout Chile -ample sunshine along with moderating breezes form the ocean and Andes, it stand to reason that Chilean wines will only improve in the future

Top Picks for Chile

Bordeaux Varietals

PKNT 2020 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
$19
Best Buy
Vibrant fruit and good structure while maintaining a pleasant lightness to the body; a delightful Cabernet for grilling season.
93 points $19 Best Buy
Squid Inc. 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$15
Best Buy
This is a smoky, meaty Cabernet Sauvignon with dark juicy fruit that will pair well with barbecued meats or vegetables.
91 points $15 Best Buy
Black Box 2021  Malbec
91 points
$19.98
A classic, super clean, no frills Malbec with all the ripe fruits.
91 points $19.98
Jaya 2021 Single Vineyard Las Cenizas Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$40
An elegantly styled cooler climate Cabernet Sauvignon balancing black fruit against savory green herbs; give this a decant and pair with steak.
Black Box NV  Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$19.98
A spicy, fruity Cab with plenty of savory notes.
88 points $19.98
La Playa 2022 Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$9
Best Buy
A lovely, lean Cabernet that will pair with grilled meats or roasts and is a great every day table wine.
88 points $9 Best Buy
Aoyo 2018 Dark Gold R7 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$22
A classic, slightly under ripe Cabernet that benefits from a bit of sweetness and barrel character to balance and lift the slight bitter green flavors.
Vivo NV Reserva Blend No.23 Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$12
Best Buy
A nice leaner and lighter styling of Cabernet Sauvignon with a pleasing herbal lift.
88 points $12 Best Buy
Republic Of Wine 2021  Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$8
Best Buy
A solid everyday Cabernet; everything you are looking for is here.
88 points $8 Best Buy
La Playa 2023 Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$10
Best Buy
A light and vibrant style of Cabernet to pair with fire roasted meats.
87 points $10 Best Buy