Viña Tarapacá Etiqueta Negra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Viña San Pedro Tarapacá S.A. · Valle del Maipo D.O., Maipo Valley, Chile
At a glance
- Producer
- Viña San Pedro Tarapacá S.A.
- Region
- Valle del Maipo D.O., Maipo Valley, Chile
- Grape variety
- Cabernet Sauvignon (99%), Petit Verdot (1%)
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Bold
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $20-$30
Tasting profile
Bold blackcurrant and blackberry fruit with notes of eucalyptus, tobacco, and subtle oak spice. Medium-plus acidity and firm tannins provide structure.
Evolution: Over 3-5 years, tannins will soften, oak influence will integrate harmoniously, and tertiary aromas of leather and earth will emerge.
At peak: At peak, expect balanced intensity with layered complexity, plush fruit, and well-rounded texture.
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium-plus, balancing richness
- Tannins
- Firm yet well-integrated
- Alcohol
- Approx. 14.0% ABV
- Aging potential
- 8-12 years from vintage
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2024 to 2028
- Optimal window
- 2022 to 2030
- Current status
- Approaching optimal drinkability with aging potential
- Current condition
- The wine is mature enough to be enjoyed now but will gain complexity and softer tannins over the next several years.
This wine’s 2018 vintage is excellent in Maipo Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon, yielding structured yet approachable wines. The healthy tannic backbone and balanced acidity combined with careful oak aging support medium-term cellaring with a peak roughly 6-10 years from vintage.
Food pairing
Pairs well with grilled red meats, lamb, robust stews, and aged hard cheeses such as Manchego or aged Cheddar. Also excellent with dishes featuring earthy mushrooms or dark sauces.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (30-45 minutes) — To aerate and soften tannins for immediate enjoyment, enhancing aromatic complexity and smoothing the palate.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Viña San Pedro Tarapacá employs integrated pest management, water conservation techniques, solar energy usage in facilities, and recyclable packaging materials.
The producer has made strides in sustainable viticulture, including water usage reduction and energy-efficiency programs. While export contributes to carbon emissions, their packaging and vineyard management reduce overall ecological impact compared to conventional practices.