Price: $8
Maker: Caliterra
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Packaging: Bottle, natural cork
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10
We found bottles of Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 on a closeout shelf for under $5, although usually we don’t see it for less that $8 or $9. The bargain price was more than sufficient incentive to give it a try, and our tasting left us wondering why the store was (apparently) dumping their inventory. The aroma was mostly fruity, dominated by blackberry with a bit of spice and, perhaps, mint. (I didn’t get the mint immediately, but after reading the winemaker’s notes I did; either I’m susceptible to the power of suggestion, or it’s subtle.) The fruit emphasis continues into the flavor, with a berry juiciness well balanced with oak and soft tannins. If I have any complaint, it’s that the finish is a bit abrupt. Overall, this is a very nice cab for under $10.
The origin of the Caliterra Cab is Chile. The winemaker’s comments on vineyards:
By including fruit from different sub regions throughout the Central Valley, we can create a wine with complexity and a range of different fruit flavours. The largest portion of the fruit was grown in the Colchagua Valley, where the climate and soils are highly favourable for red wine production. The hot summer days are moderated by refreshing coastal breezes and cool nights. Additional lots came from the Maipo Valley, an area recognized for producing distinctive Cabernet with full, soft tannins, and the Curicó Valley. This last region, located south of Colchagua, is the first to ripen the fruit. All the valleys feature summer drought and excellent luminosity. Together with careful vineyard management which features drip irrigation and vertical shoot position trellising, these natural conditions create an ideal environment for growing wine grapes.
Give this cab a try…