Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 Usually when something seems too good to be true, it is.  But they are rare exceptions such as this Chilean Cabernet.  Packaged in a seriously heavy bottle with a deep push-up normally used for culty reds, this 2018 Cabernet Reserva is surprisingly good for the price.  Blended with 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenere and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine was aged for 9 months in neutral French oak.  Dark garnet in color, it offers concentrated ripe black fruit and a slightly weedy, green tea aroma.  The flavors are rich and spicy.  Generous and round on the palate, it has some tannins but can be enjoyed now for its direct, mouth-filling style.  Don’t know why Calcu went with the expensive, overweight bottle, but I’m happy to have discovered the wine at a local shop on sale for $8.99.