New World: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Bordeaux-style blends - Chile
2019 Gold 6 Silver 10 Bronze 4 Commended 20
2018 Gold 1 Silver 5 Bronze 4 Commended 9
This was a strong performance from Chile. It managed its best Bordeaux blends medal haul since 2016, and its biggest ever number of wines on the Gold List in this category.
For a country that has majored on Cabernet, Merlot and blends thereof, you might think that it’s only natural that it would outpoint its New World rivals in this area, but in fact it’s a rare occurrence.
And while our judges have often tended to see the country’s strength as being mostly in the sub-£8 category – largely because the top wines were so overblown and out of balance – this year there was a lot more positivity across the board.
Yes, of course the lower-end wines were juicy, easy to drink and easy to sell. But we also managed to get a really good ‘ladder’ of Gold wines for our list: three under £10, a couple around the £13 mark and one show-off wine over £20.
This, combined with the fact that we had top medals from all the country’s key wine regions, and a large bulge of Silvers, is proof of a category with a lot of good wines on show – and a welcome return to form after the horror show of last year.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘There was a lack of fruit at the cheaper end, but really good in the middle. And if you love classic New World styles, the expensive wines were good and will last.’ Lionel Periner, team leader
‘The wines are reining in that pungent sweet character, and there was more variation. The ones we liked were not too jammy, not too strong and not afraid of structure.’ Charlie Young, team leader
‘Some of the more entry-level stuff I preferred – attention to detail and drinkability.’ Sean Arthur, Cliveden House
‘Great quality throughout the Maipo flight. Altitude shone through, they were wines with more freshness and restraint. The challenge was to find those that delivered balance, not too extracted, not too oaky, not too dry, but also good value. And we found some.’ Mattia Mazzi, The River Cafe
‘Really nice tight group, showing what’s expected from complex, heavy New World Cabernet. They do have a place on a list as a heavier steak wine, or for venison.’ Tobias Gorn, Boisdale Restaurants
‘Chile wants to promote its premium wines, and it should do. It has source material and there is a market for it.’ Martin Lam, team leader
‘Slightly disappointing. We all know they can do fantastic wines.’ Daniel Jonberger, Rockliffe Hall