Budget week part IV (or whatever it is now) got off to a reasonable beginning with a 2020 Ceibo. Things were just fine and I'm hoping the momentum carries forward with today's entry from Casillero del Diablo. I'm not too familiar with Chilean malbecs, but I have appreciated Casillero's Rioja on prior occasions at gatherings and found it to be serviceable. I'm interested in digging in a bit deeper here.
Nose: A massive blast of raspberry compote, with some cinnamon sugar sweetness coming up from below and a bit of oak filling in the gaps. On the second and third passes, the raspberry settles down and balances with the sweet and spice nicely.
Palate: Just as fruit-forward with raspberry leading the charge yet again. Notes of blackberry, plum, and a bit of pepper show up as well. With more time the oak develops with minimal acidity interfering with texture or flavor.
Finish: Long, with a nice development on the fruit that becomes more blackberry than raspberry as it goes onward. The oak continues to accentuate, but nothing much more than that.
I was surprised by the overall quality here for $10 plus tax. The style is distinct and separates itself from Argentina by not leaning too much into dark fruit territory. A fun and curious purchase if you can source it.
$10