Casas del Toqui 'Gran Toqui' Cabernet Sauvignon

A spicy nose reveals cumin and toasted oak aromas in the glass. This is a classic and enjoyable Cabernet with a soft palate, where spices and ripe berries meet. The finish exhibits hints of grass and vanilla.

Aromas of iron and minerals open this full and ripe Cabernet, then come leathery berry and black plum scents. This is full, smooth and a bit jammy and chunky in feel. Ripe, lusty black cherry, dark plum and oaky chocolate flavors finish with a dash of Chile's patented herbal spice. Drink this smooth operator through 2024. Michael Schachner

Spicy dark-fruit aromas are solid, with an herbal accent that's common to Chilean Cabernet. A full, plump palate is fleshy but balanced by lively acidity, while spicy oaky notes elevate dark-berry fruit flavors. On the finish, lingering but not overbearing cinnamon and clove notes warm things up. Michael Schachner

Gran Toqui comes from a selection of vines planted in 1943 in the Totihue zone. The wine was aged in barrels for 14 months, and there’s still a bit of oak in the flavors of this red, but what reigns are the fresh red fruits in the midst of very smooth, very friendly tannins. A cabernet with depth and acidic tension, but most importantly, this is a friendly wine. The very cool year that 2016 was helps with that freshness.

Jammy, candied berry and prune aromas are reduced. That theme continues onto the palate, which feels compacted. Flavors of black grapes, prune, blueberry and black pepper finish with a meaty note of beef jerky, raw tannins and a shortage of body. Very good but with flaws.

Damp, earthy berry aromas come with a note of orange peel. On the palate, this is aggressive at first, then it goes heavy and syrupy. Black cherry and berry flavors are not distinguished, while this is drilling on a finish with cherry Lifesaver notes. Tasted twice; this note is based on the better of two samples. Michael Schachner

The higher-altitude sector of the Cachapoal Valley is recognized as an excellent source of Chilean cabernet grown at the foot of the Andes. And Casas del Toqui has traditionally produced those cabernets since the Granela family began planting vines on the Totihue estate during the 1940s. The grapes for this cabernet come from a selection of those original blocks and is delicately delicious. It’s something that we at Descorchados have always associated with the great cabernets of Alto Cachapoal. There are spices and herbs here, but more than anything, there is clear red fruit scattered across its light body with fibrous tannins. A cabernet that is subtle, rather than potent.

Reserved on the nose, this Cabernet shows aromas of forest floor, spice and root beer along with herbal berry fruits. A blocky rubbery round palate houses a mix of herbal berry and prune flavors, while this is earthy and showing a bit of oxidation on the finish.

Raspberry aromas mix with herbs and earth to give off a typically Chilean Cabernet bouquet. Feels sticky and a little grabby, with mild acidity and rubbery flavors of black cherry and herbs. Blends sweet fruit with green, herbal notes.