At a glance

Producer

Viña Tarapacá

Region

Maipo Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-$30 USD

Tasting profile

Intense blackcurrant, cassis, hints of tobacco, cedar, and Maipo green pepper. Youthful oak influence; vibrant finish.

Evolution: Will integrate oak with fruit, develop more tertiary notes like leather and dried herbs over time.

At peak: Rounded, harmonious, complex Cabernet with mellow tannins, evolving forest floor and graphite notes at peak.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high, providing freshness and aging potential.

Tannins

Moderate-to-firm, ripe with some grip typical of Maipo Cabernet.

Alcohol

Typically 13.5-14.5% ABV (confirmed range for category and region).

Aging potential

Very good for price tier; expected to age well for 7-9 years post-vintage.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2031

Current status

Youthful, primary fruit-driven, but structured for aging.

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant fruit and balanced tannins, some tightness in youth, will evolve positively.

The wine’s structure, acidity, and fruit concentration suggest its peak will be reached once tannins soften and secondary/tertiary complexity develops—usually 4-7 years post-vintage for this style and quality tier.

Food pairing

Pair with grilled red meats, lamb, roast duck, hard aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, and dishes with herbs or mild spice.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The moderate-to-firm tannins and youthful character of this Cabernet Sauvignon can benefit from decanting to soften the tannins and enhance the aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Viña Tarapacá implements drip irrigation for water conservation, solar energy initiatives, and has reforestation and biodiversity projects on estate lands. Packaging uses some recycled materials; light-weight bottles for export. Integrated pest management is practiced, with minimal chemical use.

Viña Tarapacá is recognized in Chile for sustainability leadership, active in certified sustainable agriculture and water use efficiency, but does not carry stricter organic or biodynamic credentials. Bottle weight is reduced, and nature conservation is a core value. Carbon footprint is mitigated by on-site initiatives, but export wines incur unavoidable emissions. Overall, progressive for a major Chilean producer, but not among the strictest standards globally.