Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon is a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Tim Atkin awarded the 2019 vintage 90 points and named it his "Value Red Wine of the Year," underscoring its reputation as one of the most reliable Chilean reds at its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend  |  Winery: Concha y Toro

Production & Heritage

Concha y Toro was founded in 1883 by Don Melchor de Concha y Toro in Santiago, Chile, and has grown into one of the largest wine producers in South America. The Casillero Del Diablo line draws fruit from multiple Chilean valleys, including Maipo, Rapel, and Maule, blending approximately 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Syrah to build depth and complexity. The brand name references the winery's original cellar in Pirque, where Don Melchor reportedly spread a legend that the devil guarded his private reserves to deter would-be thieves — bottles are still aged in that same historic cellar today.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark ruby in the glass, the nose opens with ripe black currant and dark cherry before shifting to cassis and subtle floral tones. Deeper inhales reveal coffee, light toast, and a hint of bell pepper that nods to classic Chilean Cabernet character.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward with concentrated cherry and blackcurrant flavors that coat the mid-palate. Medium body carries the wine through to vanilla undertones and a touch of dark chocolate, supported by marked but approachable tannins that provide structure without overwhelming grip.

Finish: The finish runs moderately long with slightly chewy tannins and lingering cassis. A trace of toasty oak and dried fruit persists as the wine fades.

How to Drink Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cool room temperature, around 16–18°C, and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing after opening. It also works as a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink base: try it in a Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) for a casual warm-weather serve, a New York Sour where the wine float adds berry depth over bourbon, or a classic Sangria where its ripe fruit and moderate tannins meld seamlessly with citrus and brandy.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners paired with grilled steak or pasta
• Introducing a friend to quality Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
• Stocking a home bar with a dependable, crowd-pleasing red
• Bringing a well-regarded bottle to a casual dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet taste like? It delivers ripe cherry and blackcurrant up front, followed by vanilla and dark chocolate mid-palate, with medium body and marked tannins that keep it structured.

How does Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet compare to Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon? Both rank among the world's strongest wine brands in Wine Intelligence's Global Wine Brand Power Index, but Casillero Del Diablo typically shows firmer tannins and less residual sweetness, leaning toward a drier, more classically structured Cabernet profile. Yellow Tail tends to be softer and fruitier, making it more immediately approachable to new wine drinkers.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its balanced tannins, medium body, and layered fruit make it a satisfying glass on its own, especially after a few minutes of airing out.

Where is Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet made? It is produced by Concha y Toro, headquartered near Santiago, Chile, drawing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from vineyards across Chile's Central Valley, including the Maipo, Rapel, and Maule valleys.

What foods pair well with Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet? Grilled beef or lamb chops complement its tannin structure; aged cheddar or Manchego echo its toasty depth; roasted red peppers mirror the wine's subtle bell pepper note; dark chocolate desserts align with its cocoa undertone; and hearty bean or lentil stews match its medium body.

What sizes does Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet come in? The standard format is 750ml, though Concha y Toro also distributes select Casillero Del Diablo wines in 375ml half-bottles and 1.5L magnums depending on market availability.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet worth the price? It positions firmly as a value-tier Chilean Cabernet, and its consistent critical recognition — including Tim Atkin's 90-point score and "Value Red Wine of the Year" designation — suggests it punches above its weight class within the category.

Why Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet?

Few wines at this price point carry the pedigree of a winery founded in 1883 whose original cellar still plays a role in production. Tim Atkin's 90-point rating and "Value Red Wine of the Year" recognition for the 2019 vintage, along with consistent scores from James Suckling, reinforce that this is not simply a mass-market label coasting on volume. The blend of Central Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a small measure of Syrah creates a wine with more dimension than many single-varietal competitors at the same tier. For drinkers who want a dependable, fruit-driven Chilean red grounded in genuine history, this bottling continues to justify its place as one of the category's benchmarks.