Deep ruby color; plum, dark cherry, menthol on the nose; plum, cherry, blackcurrant, black olive, chocolate, oak spice on the palate.
Dry; medium tannins and acidity; medium-plus body. Smooth, inoffensive easy drinker. Savory, ripe fruits delivery a simple tasting experience. Lacks layers and complexity, but tasty and amenable. Weekday pop-and-pour or second bottle for a more serious event. 14% ABV
The Familia Torres founded the winery in 1979 in Chile. The family has produced wine in Spain for more than 150 years. They were Chilean pioneers in the use of stainless steel tanks for fermentation. All its vineyards are certified organic. They also are leaders in Fair Trade and treatment of workers, a signature of Chilean wineries.
The grapes come from vineyards from Alto Maipo, where 30% is from the Pirque zone, and 70% from Alto Jahuel, two renowned terroirs in the Andean Maipo. Wine aged in barrels, 20% new wood, for a year. Evolves with exposure to air in glass, consider decanting, although that is to give it balance rather than tone down tannin. The tannins are soft and congenial on pop-and-pour.
Miguel Torres Cordillera de los Andes Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle del Maipo, Chile 2018 delivers dark fruit flavors, spice, and toasted oak. Safe, polished, easy drinker that is true to the variety. There is not much complexity or depth, but excellent QPR (quality-price ratio). Pair with grilled steak and other rich beef; lamb; venison and wild game; barbecue chicken; comfort food—meatloaf, burgers and sliders, meat lover pizza. Cheese—creamy and bloomy cheese; bleu cheese, humbolt fog, brie, camembert, sharp cheddar, ricotta, gorgonzola, gouda, cheddar—harder, aged cheeses. $16-21
