Peñalolen, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 Although this wine has a different producer name as well as a different appellation on the back label than the fabulous flagship “Domus Aurea” Cabernet, this bottling is said to be “produced by the prestigious Domus Aurea property.”  Even having visited Domus Aurea, I’m not sure I understand what that means, as I know there’s a second, nearby vineyard that I didn’t see on my visit, as well as several “tiers” of wines made by vineyard selection as well as barrel selection.  But by now I’ve already committed the journalistic sin of “burying the lead,” which is that this is superb Cabernet that provides a very good sense of what Domus Aurea delivers at about one-third the price.  It isn’t quite as complex or intense, and won’t be as long-lived, but being a year older, is even readier to be enjoyed fully.  It fully displays the commitment of the owners, viticulturalists and winemaking team to be true to the singular character of Cabernet from this terroir, which is wildly complex aromatically and very satisfying in flavor, even though the physical density of the wine is medium-bodied.  Mildly minty but also marked by notes of cedar and black cherries and blackberries as well as autumn leaves, spices, and ultra-light toast, this is a wonderful wine at a more-than-fair price.  I worry that I’ve under-scored it due to evaluating it in the very long shadow cast by the 2021 Domus Aurea, so jump at a shot to taste this for yourself.