Casino-Macul Antiguas Reservas Cab Sauv. 2008

Casino-Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile

Another bottle that finds its way onto the table a few times a month. It was introduced to us by family friend Robin Shuckburgh (The Oxford Wine Company), twenty years ago. It has everything about it that dislike: it is New World (although this winery dates from 1856 on land that has been planted since the 1500s), it is a mono-cépage (100% Cabernet sauvignon – which is the “flour” in the Bordeaux blend and is infinitely more interesting and nuanced when blended), is high in alcohol (14%), and sat in new French oak barrels (as opposed to a mix of old and new so to not overpower the fruit). But I love it. It works. It is a jubilant, personable, bright, cheery, complex, full-bodied surprise…every time I drink it. Every year. Every bottle. Joy.