2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Vintage Not Specified
This Carmenere is an excellent introduction to the grape.Pleasant, ripe, and forward, it has plenty of blueberry and black raspberry flavors for casual quaffing.
Robert Parker's Wine Bargains
"My vote is a plush and comforting Carmenere from Chile, such as the inexpensive Casillero del Diablo Carmenere."
Wini Moranville - Relish Magazine
Good wines over ten dollars. Excellent value.
The Wine Buzz
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2008
Very good. Super pleasing. Complex tastes…chocolate, nutmeg & prunes that all come together in a lovely package.
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher - The Wall Street Journal
Chile is a hot spot for affordability. This is a spicy, plummy Carmenere from Concha y Toro.
Emily McKenna - Mainstreet.com
These days, when you are looking for value, it’s hard to go wrong if you visit the Chile aisle. This unusual red, Carmenere, is a specialty of Chile. It’s a bit herbal and peppery and filled with personality. These are heavenly with hamburgers, steaks and roasts and hearty, chunky vegetable stews.
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher - The Wall Street Journal
Dark and smooth in color with some rich red fruit aromas. There is a very characteristic herbal flavor on the taste, but surrounded by dark cherry and blackberries.
Rob Bralow - Wine Post
This bargain beauty offers robust flavors of plum and blackberry, with hints of mocha, spice and a gamey backnote.
Robert Whitley - Creators.com
Best price to value and availability are favored. Excellent.
Frank Mangio - A Taste Of Wine
Inky dark purple , shades to clear garnet at the edge. Hard to beat for 10 bucks...
The 30 Second Wine Advisor
There's a lot of spicy depth to this red, especially given the moderate price.
Ray Isle - Food & Wine
Daily Wine Pick for April 8, 2010
James Molesworth - Winespectator.com
Extra Points for Great Value! 90 Points
Gerald D. Boyd - winereviewonline.com
Recommended Red for weekend grilling...
www.wineskinny.com
"Dependable and priced to sell, the 2008 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere is plummy and spicy, right with red meat and pizza."
Peter M. Gianotti - Newsday - May, 2010
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2007
To think that not so long ago, Chile had to pretend that Carmenere was Merlot in order to sell it. Not any more. A rich, fleshy, green pepper and chocolate-like red with prominent but well-integrated oak.
Decanter Magazine - February, 2009
This wine has been an amazing value for several years. What's less understood is that even at this price point it can age and develop, as a delicious 2004 tasted recently demonstrated. The current vintage shows a fragrant cranberry, red pepper and vanilla note on the nose, with a bit of characteristic lushness and sweet nutmeg accented berry fruit extract. There is substantial presence on the palate and a very sophisticated integration of the fruit and spice flavors.
Sandy Block, MW - Massachusetts' Beverage Business - February, 2009
Wine of the Week
Best Value
...quite fruty, with flavors of black currants and spice. As with all of Concha y Toro's offerings, it's a great value and widely availible in the U.S.
Gretchen Roberts - Slashfood - February, 2009
This wine has been an amazing value for several years What s less understood is that even at this price point it can age and develop as a delicious 2OO4 tasted recently demonstrated The current vintage shows a fragrant cranberry red pepper and vanilla note on the nose with a bit of characteristic lustiness and sweet nutmeg accented berry fruit extract There is substantial presence on the palate and a very sophisticated integration of the fruit and spice flavors.
Massachusetts' Beverage Business - Sandy Block, MW - February, 2009
Like so many of us, you may be looking more for value than ever when buying wine these days. Trying to find something that tastes like it costs $20 but carries a $10 price tag. If so, and especially if red is your color of choice, you would be wise to spend some time in the South American section of your local wine shop. Reds from Chile and Argentina often deliver when it comes to providing high quality for not much money.
A Chilean specialty, Carmenere is a Bordeaux grape that fell out of favor in France because it ripens late in the season, but that grows well in hotter South American vineyards. For a long time, vintners were unsure what the variety was, often confusing it with merlot. Now that scientific studies have identified it, wine makers are learning how to make delicious wines with it. Because the grape does not yet carry international cachet many of those wines offer excellent value
This particular carmenere made by the Concha y Toro offers luscious primary plum and dark berry fruit flavors enhanced by secondary flavors that echo chocolate and herbal spice. Though
some carmeneres can seem excessively vegetal, it holds that herbaceous streak in check so that the hint of green in the bouquet only adds to the wine's appeal. Full bodied, it will partner best with hearty winter-weight foods such as long-cooked beef stew, braised short ribs or even chili.
Paul Lukacs - Washington Times - February, 2009
In January 2009, this wine offered soft to medium tannins, so there is much life ahead. Bright plum color, with plum and mocha flavors, and a nice underlay of oak, chocolate and cherries. The wine is supple and delicious in the finish. Winemaker Pap describes the wine as in the "national style".
Quarterly Review of Wines - April, 2009
Casillero del Diablo 2007 Carmenere from Chile combines dried berry and ripe fruit with mint and earthy coffee flavors and a mouthwatering finish.
David Falchek - The Scranton Times-Tribune
Best Value - 87 Points
CheapWineRatings.com
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2006
Black pepper, dried green herbs, and a deep level of fruit for the price.
Dan Berger - www.vintageexperiences.com - May, 2008
Surprisingly robust and concentrated for its price, this wine’s blackberry flavors are wrapped in dense tannins. 86 Points -Best Buy
Patricio Tapia - Wine and Spirits - June, 2008
Carmenère’s lush, ripe fruit and soft, approachable texture hints at Merlot, while the wine’s full body and firm structure suggests Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of coffee, currant and cola hobnob with a hint of herbs for a terrific any-day wine.
Wini Moranville - Relish Magazine - June, 2008
Carmenère’s lush, ripe fruit and soft, approachable texture hints at Merlot, while the wine’s full body and firm structure suggests Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of coffee, currant and cola hobnob with a hint of herbs for a terrific any-day wine.
Colette and John Bancroft - St. Petersburg Times - October, 2008
Carmenère’s lush, ripe fruit and soft, approachable texture hints at Merlot, while the wine’s full body and firm structure suggests Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of coffee, currant and cola hobnob with a hint of herbs for a terrific any-day wine.
Colette and John Bancroft - Akron Beacon Journal - November, 2008
A very ripe and ready style of carmenere. The big berry aromas mixed with spice and herbs are just what you need to get into the juicy forward palate of plum and blackberry. Round in the mough, not tannic, yet still a force to reckon with. For $10 this is a lot of wine. 88 Points. Top 100 Best Buys 2008
Wine Enthusiast - December, 2008
Top Value 2008
88 Points
Wine Spectator - January, 2009
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2005
Medium-to full-bodied, it has a nose of ripe raspberries and dark berries, with a hint of cocoa. Blackberries and a woodsy earthiness appear on the tongue, with a touch of tar and molasses. The tannins are soft. The finish is long. Overall, it’s very enjoyable. Serve with red meats.
Michael Hastings - WINSTON-SALEM (NC) JOURNAL - July, 2007
"A plump, round, mostly welcoming bouquet sets you up for full cherry, strawberry, plum and sucking candy flavors. Feels good across the palate and finishes sturdy, with a touch of overt vanilla oak. Like always, this represents everyday Carménère in fine form." 86 - Best Buy
Wine Enthusiast - May, 2007
"An excellent introduction to Carménère and a fine value, this deep, spicy wine is fleshy and full but at the same time softly textured and easy to drink".
Paul Lukacs - The Washington Times - April, 2007
"A good entry-level Carménère is the 2005 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carménère, which offers bright cherry notes of mocha and spice and medium tannins..."
Laurie Daniel - The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA) - January, 2007
"A bargain-priced Merlot relative that is a cut above its price point."
Bill Van Ollefen - GREENWICH TIME (CT) - January, 2007
"If you like merlot, but with an untamed edge, the 2005 Carménère has an exotic side that shows meaty plum and black fruit, with spice and milk chocolate riding the flavour flow."
Peter Rockwell - The Daily News (Halifax, NS) - March, 2006
"A nose of bright fruits and subtle minty-leaf notes, but not too overt. Comes together on the palate with cassis, chocolate and oak spice."
Rick VanSickle - Sunday Sun (Alberta CN) - November, 2006
"Supple texture, with a mix of plum, cocoa, tobacco and vanilla. The smoky finish gains flesh as it opens." 85 - Best Values
Wine Spectator - December, 2006
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2004
A toasty red that’s very good with grilled meats and hearty pastas
Peter Gianotti - NEWSDAY (NY) - June, 2007
This smoky deep red has wonderful rich and chunky flavours created by the Cabernet and Shiraz grapes. This wine has a lot to offer and can be enjoyed with a hearty stew, steak or burgers. Chilean wines offer a lot of value and if you serve this at a dinner, your guests will be impressed. Make sure the wine has time to breathe by opening it one hour before serving. Best Buy
Laurie Gray - Scottish Daily Record (Scotland) - May, 2006
"Pretty plum and cassis fruit, with lush tannins. Round, moky finish lets the fruit linger nicely." 87
Wine Spectator - May, 2006
"A plush, generous wine with nuances of dark fruit and smoke."
Natalie MacLean - Nat Decants - May, 2006
"Carménère is the wild child of Chilean viticulture, a grape prone to surly greenness within a swarthy, powerful frame. This tamed version features notes of sweet blackberry, clove, coffee and new-wood vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied, ripe and dense, with good length for the money. Time to fire up the barbecue. Great bargain." * * * *
Toronto Life - May, 2006
"Concha y Toro is getting Carménère right. This affordable red is full bodied, with a fair amount of oak and bacon smothering plum and berry aromas. On the whole it’s round, juicy and fresh, with lively flavors and good feel." Best Buy 88
Wine Enthusiast - March, 2006
"This wine has a ruby core with a bright-purple rim. The aromas are of plum, white pepper and coffee. Its medium-bodied palate has a dark-berry taste with pepper and vanilla lingering in the background."
Lorri Hambuchen - Arkansas Democrat - Gazette - February, 2006
"I don't often warm up to Chilean Carménère, a grape that was long thought to be Merlot, but the 2004 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carménère is a bright, friendly wine with nice fruit and a hint of white pepper."
Laurie Daniel - San Jose Mercury News - February, 2006
"Interesting nose and good, full-fruited palate. Great value for money. Drink now." ***
Decanter - February, 2006
"This rich and chunky smoked deep red is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes for added spice. Enjoy it at its best with hearty stews, venison and steak. Chilean wines right now are so well priced and this is a bargain. Serve it at a party and your guests will be impressed. This wine has a lot to offer and at this price it's great value. The producers made more than nine million bottles of this wine last year. It's a real winner. Definitely worth a try and you won't be disappointed."
Scottish Daily Record - January, 2006
"A popular Chilean label puts out a red from 100 percent Carménère grapes, which delivers lots of heft. Aromas of spicy black plums, dates, vanilla and blackberry lead into flavours of spicy plum, blackberry jam and blueberry compote. The finish is long, with lingering spicy cherry and plum. A chunky style. Food suggestion: Spaghetti and meatballs." 87
Gordon Stimmell - Toronto Star - January, 2006
"Chile's signature grape, makes powerful reds, although often with green flavours if picked too soon, which happens because it ripens late and folks get impatient. This one shows well-integrated, concentrated notes of cassis, chocolate, capers and leather. Full-bodied, supple yet dense, with fine tannin. With game, stews." * * * *
Toronto Life - November, 2005
"Redolent of cassis fruit and plummy, chocolatey, mildly herbal and toasty oak flavours is probably the best for the price."
Stephen Wong - The Province - October, 2005
"Plush and generous wine with rich aromas of plums, blackberries and violets. Drink with hearty meat dishes." 89
Natalie MacLean - Nat Decants - October, 2005
"A nice example of this Bordeaux grape variety. Fruity, with blueberry, cherry, cedar and dried herb aromas and flavors typical of Carménère. Finishes dry, with stiff fruit and oak tannins. A very good value." * * *
Tim Teichgraeber - Star Tribune - October, 2005
"A great example of a New World wine that works well with food...The wine has a deep, dark purple color and has aromas of chocolate and black currant. This vintage can be paired with grilled foods such as veal chops or porterhouse steaks. It's a great bottle of wine for your summertime barbecues."
Giuseppe Celano - South Jersey Magazine Fall - September, 2005
"Deep purple-ruby; low intensity cherry-berry nose, faint leafy note; rich texture, big plumy flavors, herbal accents, long fruit-packed finish; blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Good Value." Outstanding
Wine News - August, 2005
"This easy-drinking wine offered lots of dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors with notes of mocha and toasty oak...a lot of wine for $9."
Frank & Kate Sutherland - Tennessean - July, 2005
"Shows pretty plum and cassis fruit, with lush tannins and a round, smoky finish that lets the fruit linger nicely. Drink now." Best Value 87
Wine Spectator - June, 2005
"Carménère is a somewhat herbal, lightly spicy Chilean specialty, often confused with merlot. This shows the customary earth, wood and tart fruit flavors, a good match to grilled and smoky meats."
Paul Gregutt - The Seattle Times - May, 2005
"...remarkably complex and a fantastic buy. It has the hallmark smoky and meaty character of Carménère without a trace of under-ripe fruit. The wine holds up well after you open the bottle, so you can have a glass or two, recork it, and enjoy it the following night."
Michael Apstein - Boston Globe - April, 2005
"Carménère is an obscure grape from Bordeaux that was transplanted to Chile many decades ago. Its distinct identity was lost over time and it became widely confused with Merlot (just as it was mistaken for Cabernet Franc in northern Italy). Re-identified in 1994, Carménère is now being grown and vinified in a manner more appropriate to its particularities, and the resulting wines are distinctive and very exciting. With its very dark color and explosive aromas of dark berries and chocolate, you'll know right away that your taste buds will confirm that initial impression."
Michael Franz - Republican - October, 2003
"Still a baby in Carménère terms, but the soft tannins make it approachable and with a little Cabernet in the blend this has plenty of gutsy fruit."
Myles McWeeney - Irish Independent - January, 2005
"Carmenere is to Chile like Zinfandel is the United States. A local grape, it produces some simple and quaffable wine. This one has mocha and plum notes with sweet vanillin oak and a dash of spice. Good value."
Tom Marquardt & Patrick Darr - Maryland Gazette - November, 2006
#43 of The Top 100 Best Buys of 2006
Wine Enthusiast - December, 2006
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2003
"Huge plum and black fruit aroma and a plush, rich taste for so reasonably priced a wine. Another example of Chile's ability to deliver great value. Widely available."Bargain of the Week
Dan Berger - Vintage Experiences - June, 2005
"A rich and velvety swirl of ginger snaps, clove, red currant fruit and sweet wood smoke. Soft, supple and immensely quaffable. Buy it by the case."
Lisa Airey - Howard County Times - June, 2005
"The Casillero del Diablo brand from Concha y Toro, the largest winery in Chile, offers a solid range of value-priced wines. This one is a good introduction to Carménère, offering plenty of fleshy plum and black cherry fruit flavors, with pretty notes of vanilla, tobacco and lavender."Best Global Values 86
Wine Spectator - May, 2005
"The Carménère is softly textured, full bodied, and slightly oaky in style, but with rich fruitiness (berries, plum, licorice) and good length." * * * * +
Ronn Weigand - Restaurant Wine - May, 2005
"Concentrated fruit, earthy and rustic, bold and brash. Warming and dry. This takes you to different place."
Dorothy J. Gaither and John Brecher - Smart Money - March, 2005
"Full bodied, fruity, and rich with blackberry, mulberry, boysenberry, and tobacco; long finish. An excellent example of Carménère. Goose, venison. Can serve now, but will improve with age."
Santé - March, 2005
"...plenty of ripe blackberry, notes of chocolate, vanilla and spice, and a smooth texture."
Laurie Daniel - The Mercury News - February, 2005
"Scents of chocolate and black pepper lead into this juicy and soft Carménère. A terrific value at $10; you get a ripe block of fruit, ready to drink now." 87
Wine & Spirits - February, 2005
"Lots of fleshy plum and black cherry fruit, with pretty notes of vanilla, tobacco and lavender in the background. A good introduction to the grape. Drink now." Best Value 86
Wine Spectator - January, 2005
"...Vividly coloured (a glassful is dark to the point of opaqueness). The variety combines the blackcurrant of Cabernet with the intense plumminess of Merlot. Rich, full-bodied, touched by oak." Wine of the Week
John Rempel - Winnipeg Free Press - January, 2005
"You have to buy two bottles to get the price down from its usual $4.99 but this could hardly be easier to drink. Another offering from Concha y Toro."
Jancis Robinson - Financial Times - January, 2005
"A deep red hue leads to a luscious bouquet of dark plums and coffee and generous flavors of chocolate and spicy oak. A medium to lengthy finish stems from a mouth-filling palate that is soft and well-structured. A bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are blended in. Aside from holiday meats, this wine is an ideal pair for ripe cheeses like gouda and gruyere."
Gabe Saglie - South Coast Beacon
"This blend of 85 percent Carménère, 10 percent cabernet sauvignon and 5 percent syrah has a dark purple color and enticing, fruity aromas of plums, blackberries and hints of mocha followed by lush fruity flavors of ripe plums, spices and chocolate nuances from American oak barrel aging. It has a medium body, soft tannins and a pleasant, fruity finish." Recommended
Dave DeSimone - Tribune-Review - November, 2004
"This wine has great fresh juice flavor and delicious spice. Carménère from Chile continues to get better and better, and it will inevitably emerge as the next big thing in the near future. Buy it today while it's still relatively cheap and undiscovered."
Jonathon Alsop - The Daily Transcript - October, 2004
"Widely available, true to the variety, and very well made, this shows the whole spectrum of Carménère's charms at a very attractive price."
Michael Franz - The Washington Post - October, 2004
"This Bordeaux grape variety is all but extinct in Bordeaux, but has been rediscovered in Chile. When planted in the proper climate Carménère seems to perform best in Chile's warmer inland valleys , Carménère produces a fleshy red wine that offers rich, dark berry aromas and plenty of spice. Casillero del Diablo's '03 vintage Carménère is a good example. " 88
Robert Whitley - The Record (NJ) - May, 2004
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2002
"This Chilean Carménère had an intriguing nose of oak and tobacco and a taste so peppery it tingled the tongue. Good balance of acid and fruit, plus an atmospheric shot of smoke made for a lively wine. Serve with mushroom ravioli, pepper-rubbed roast pork, blue cheese."
Bill Daley - Chicago Tribune - October, 2004
"There were a lot of smiling faces when I poured this wine at a pasta dinner. It's a much better match with red sauces than most Chiantis, but I'd use it for meat dishes as well. Carménère is an old Bordeaux grape variety that is no longer used in France but is slowly becoming Chile's signature grape. It has similarities to Merlot and has often been confused with that varietal in the past."
Sam Gugino - Sam Cooks - September, 2004
"This is a fruity, luscious wine with lots of soft texture. . .Huge fruity bouquet. A complex, dry red. . .Deep, rich and powerful." Wine of the Week
Chris and Sherry Hardie - La Crosse Tribune - May, 2004
"This grape is a Bordelais émigré long confused in Chile with Merlot. The wine has agreeable raspberry and blackberry fruit, with some spice and herbal highlights in the aroma. Supple in the mouth, it gains solid structure from some added Cabernet." 86
Food Arts - May, 2004
"In its second vintage of Chile's rising star varietal, Carménère, Casillero del Diablo 2002 shows off a lovely texture and an even lovelier taste profile for a wine so youthful. Pepper and spice combine with a new-world fruit-bowl quality and a silky mouthfeel."
Patterson’s California Beverage Journal - May, 2004
"Rustic with raspberry, licorice, blackberry, walnut oil, tar and oak nose; similar flavors plus black fruit, black pepper and spice; gamy yet smooth and well-rounded; earthy finish."
San Francisco Chronicle - April, 2004
"Carménère continues to improve in Chile, and it's becoming the country's signature grape. This version has nice ripe raspberry and plum fruit, with sweet smoke, spice and dried herb notes. Chocolaty finish. Nicely done. Drink now." 86 "Wine of the Day" "Best Value"
Wine Spectator (Website) - January, 2004
"Muted cherry scent. Soft and smooth flavor, gains balancing acidity in the finish."
Robin Garr - The 30 Second Wine Advisor - November, 2003
"...brims with black cherry, chocolate, licorice, spice and vanilla character. It's smooth and rich, with a perky raspberry finish."
San Francisco Chronicle - September, 2003
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2001
"Tarry and intense, this wine is filled with black smoke and black fruit. Scents of cocoa and black pepper keep it lean and edgy, ready for a roast leg of lamb. "
WINE & SPIRITS - February, 2003
"Brilliant ruby red-violet hue. Blackberry, bay leaf and cinnamon aromas. A rich entry leads to a complex finish with ripe, juicy black fruits, elegant tannins, balanced acidity and a touch of spiciness. Highly recommended." 87
Beverage Testing Institute - November, 2002
"...has an attractive milk chocolate and mocha scent with a tasty plum-like flavor that is reminiscent of Spain's Rioja wines made from Tempranillo."
John Foy - The Record (NJ) - September, 2002
Silver Medal
Tasters Guild Journal - September, 2002
"...has luscious dark cherry, plum, spice and oak flavors and a soft texture."
Robert Neralich - Arkansas Democrat Gazette - August, 2002
"Black-purple hue. Gamy, earthy aromas of red meat, leather and tobacco with a fresh black cherry nuance. Soft, chalk-tinged flavors of black cherry, blackberry, tobacco and anise. Lingering, peppery close." 86
The Wine News - August, 2002
"...dark ruby in color and has good legs. The nose is forward with aromas of black cherry and jammy black fruit. On the palate, it's spicy and dry, with concentrated black-fruit flavors like plum. The wine is nicely structured with adequate acidity and supple tannins It finishes well with some spice and plum notes."
TableWine.com - August, 2002
"Outstanding. A Carménère which is full-bodied, lightly oaked, and well balanced, with a hint of tannin on the finish. Tastes of spicy oak, green olive, black peppercorn, and baked cherry." *****
Restaurant Wine - August, 2002
"...shows the grape's characteristic pepper and plum profile, with a fleshy mouthfeel and smoky finish." 85
WineSpectator.com - August, 2002
"...a soft, forward-fruit wine with round tannins and good depth."
Tom Marquardt & Patrick Darr - Maryland Gazette - August, 2002
"Shows the grape's characteristic pepper and plum profile, with a fleshy mouthfeel and smoky finish. A nice introduction to Carménère at the right price." 85 - Best Buy
Wine Spectator - August, 2002
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Vintage Not Specified
"50 Wines You Can Always Trust"
"The blackberry-rich Casillero del Diablo Carménère, made from vineyards all over Chile's Central Valley (including those in Maipo, Rapel and Maule), is Concha y Toro's affordable star."
Food & Wine - April, 2007
"It’s dark and inky, a sweet core of fruit showing blackberry, black cherry, spice and typical note of soy sauce. With a touch of tannin that brings milk chocolate to mind."
Dan Kislenko - Record - February, 2006
"Dark, rich, dry, black currants and berries, plums, hint of soy sauce."
Dan Kislenko - The Hamilton Spectator - December, 2005
"Concha y Toro is justifiably proud of its marvelous wines at the high end of the price scale, but it is what this massive winery accomplishes in the $10 realm that is truly impressive. This is a plump, spicy red that demonstrates Concha y Toro is dialed in on Carménère, an unusual, almost extinct Bordeaux varietal."
Robert Whitley - San Diego Union-Tribune - December, 2004
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Vintage Not Specified
The blackberry-rich Casillero del Diablo Carmenère, made from vineyards all over Chile’s Central Valley (including those in Maipo, Rapel and Maule), is Concha y Toro’s affordable star.
Food & Wine Online - April, 2009