A splendidly accesible red wine for under $11? That’s the Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah in a tasty nutshell.
2012 Bodegas Volcanes de Chile “Summit Reserva” Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, Rapel Valley, Chile – LCBO $10.95
As summer turns the corner to autumn/fall, it is always a pleasure to discover a red wine that is well-crafted, pleasantly structured, works well with the foods of the cooler season, and comes in at a crazily affordable pricepoint. You’ll find all of the above in the Bodegas Volcanes de Chile “Summit Reserve” Cab/Syrah. In an age when much Chilean juice is “cheap” without being “cheerful” in any manner, this bottling from the volcanic southern soils of Chile’s Rapel Valley a breath of fresh, berry-scented, air.
While not the most overly complex of wines, at this price it really doesn’t have to be… the punchy dark berry fruit is especially pleasing, with soft, malleable tannins sensually hugging the palate, a teeny wee bit of oak spice, and lively brisk acidity making the wine a great foil for simple dishes such as burgers, tomato-based sauces, grilled lamb chops, and pizza.
Not to be confused with the almost identically-packaged (and still quite good) Cab/Merlot, this blend from vineyards in the Rapel Valley is one of the best values I have tasted in 2014. Whilst you may feel that four apples out of five is overly generous, I feel that for this price the wine more than delivers in regards to pure fruit-driven pleasure. I’ll be drinking a fair bit of this stuff.
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Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And yes… a real bargain.
I have a report form the field! Was in my local and the Cab/Syrah has turned over to the 2013, but the price has dropped on special to $9.95. We’ll see if the 2013 is an even bigger bargain.