Finding a 92 plus Cabernet Sauvignon for under $20 (CDN) is a chore. In 2022 the only one so far I have discovered is a 2018 Tapiz Alta Collection Cabernet Sauvignon from the Uco Valley in Argentina at $19.95. I note that COVID has ravaged local and international wine tastings restricting many professional palates to a shrivelled offering.
Chile is a good source for modestly priced wines and what says the 2018 Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon from Valle del Maipo?
A friendly and highly welcoming and smooth bouquet of blueberry, cherry, raspberry and red plum. The aromas are high toned so I am expecting a taut body and not overly fruit laden. On the palate my guess is correct as this is a tight and lean wine. Notes of boysenberry, cherry and pomegranate. Unfortunately the finish is astringent and barren. I fail to see how ageing will help this wine. Drinkable but you and I deserve something better than that. James Suckling gives this an overly generous 93 rating. Suckling is no Luca Maroni but the point spread between him and I is widening these days and I query if he was a tougher nut to crack when he was with Wine Spectator. A 93 in my book is an exceptional wine. This is not in that category.
(Santa Alicia Gran Reserva de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Valle del Maipo, Chile, Viña Santa Alicia, Santiago, Chile, $18.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 60244, 750 mL, 14%, RKS Wine Rating 85/100).
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