Unrated Cabernet Sauvignon

Unrated Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile bottled at 14.2% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vineyards across three of Chile's most respected growing regions — Maipo, Maule, and Cachapoal — this wine gains depth and structure through 12 months of aging in French oak barrels, with a deliberate emphasis on used cooperage that lets the fruit speak over the wood.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.2%  |  Origin: Maipo, Maule & Cachapoal Valleys, Chile  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  12 Months French Oak

Production & Heritage

The grapes for Unrated Cabernet Sauvignon are drawn from estate vineyards spanning the Maipo, Maule, and Cachapoal valleys, each contributing distinct character to the final blend. After primary fermentation, the wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation to soften acidity and build mouthfeel. Aging takes place over 12 months in French oak barrels — 90% of the wine sees oak, and of that portion, only 10% rests in new barrels while the remaining 90% matures in third- and fourth-use cooperage. This measured approach to oak influence preserves the fruit-forward personality of Chilean Cabernet while adding subtle layers of spice and structure.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intense dark red berries and ripe blackberry, followed by plum and stone fruit. Scented wood and mocha notes develop as the wine opens, adding complexity beneath the fruit.

Taste: On the palate, entry is rich and ripe with juicy raspberry, blackberry, and cherry flavors. The mid-palate broadens with plum and dark fruit, layered with chocolate and subtle oak. Well-integrated tannins provide structure without aggression, keeping the texture round and full.

Finish: The finish is bold, long, and satisfying, with sweet tannins carrying lingering dark fruit and a trace of spice. Oak-derived warmth persists without overwhelming the fruit core.

How to Drink Unrated Cab

This Cabernet drinks well at room temperature, and a few minutes of breathing in the glass opens up the aromatic layers considerably. It also holds up with a slight chill to about 60–65°F for warmer evenings. For cocktails and wine-based drinks: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well given the bold dark fruit; a classic Red Wine Sangria benefits from the ripe berry intensity; and a New York Sour — a whiskey sour floated with red wine — gains visual appeal and fruity depth from this Cabernet's deep color and berry concentration.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners where you want reliable, full-bodied red
• Introducing someone to Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon as a gateway bottle
• Casual dinner party pours that don't require decanting or explanation
• Building out a value-driven wine collection with New World reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Unrated Cab taste like? Unrated Cabernet Sauvignon leads with ripe blackberry, cherry, and plum flavors supported by chocolate, mocha, and subtle oak notes. The tannins are well-integrated and sweet, giving it a bold but approachable profile.

How does Unrated Cab compare to Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are Chilean Cabernets at a similar accessibility level, but Unrated's 12-month aging program in predominantly third- and fourth-use French oak barrels produces a more fruit-forward style with less overt oak character. Casillero del Diablo tends to emphasize broader distribution and brand recognition, while Unrated positions itself with a multi-valley sourcing approach across Maipo, Maule, and Cachapoal.

Is Unrated Cab good for sipping on its own? Yes — its ripe fruit intensity, balanced tannins, and layered oak character make it an easy wine to enjoy by itself without food, especially after a few minutes of air in the glass.

Where is Unrated Cab made? Unrated Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in Chile, with grapes sourced from vineyards in the Maipo, Maule, and Cachapoal valleys — three of the country's premier Cabernet-growing regions located in Chile's central zone.

What foods pair well with Unrated Cab? Grilled ribeye steak matches the wine's bold tannin structure; slow-braised short ribs echo its dark fruit and chocolate notes; aged cheddar or Manchego complement the oak-driven warmth; lamb chops with rosemary play off the berry and spice; and dark chocolate desserts mirror the mocha and cocoa undertones.

What sizes does Unrated Cab come in? Unrated Cabernet Sauvignon is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Unrated Cab worth the price? Unrated Cabernet Sauvignon positions as an accessible, everyday Chilean red that delivers notable complexity for its price tier — the multi-valley sourcing and 12-month French oak aging program are production details more commonly associated with higher-priced bottles in the category.

Why Unrated Cab?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Chilean Cabernet is the specificity of its aging regimen. The decision to use predominantly third- and fourth-use French oak — rather than flashy new barrels — shows restraint and a commitment to letting the fruit define the wine. Sourcing from three distinct valleys rather than a single appellation adds blending flexibility and layered complexity that a single-origin wine at this level rarely achieves. For drinkers seeking a bold, fruit-driven Cabernet with real structure and a clean finish, Unrated delivers substance without excess.