So many red wines are proud of being “impenetrable” these days. You know what I mean: thick, opaque, mouth-numbingly challenging to enjoy. Don’t misunderstand, I love a complex, unctuous wine as well as the next imbiber, but sometimes a lighter-bodied wine, almost styled like the old “Chianti in a straw-colored flask” is what I want. Today’s wine doesn’t taste like Chianti. Good thing, because it’s a Cabernet Sauvignon! But this is a wine to quaff, a wine to accompany book club, a satisfying drink without the need to think too much. From Chile, Ventisquero Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon fits this dwindling category very nicely.
2015 Ventisquero Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve $15 srp
Transparent purple to ruby in color. With a pretty, pure nose, this is fruit-forward, soft and ripe, with an almost sweet impression. Dark berry, plum and a touch of oregano are in the bouquet. A light-bodied, quaffable style with black cherry and light chocolate impressions on the palate. Clean, refreshing and “elbow-bending.” (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah) Drink now–2018.
88/100 points
