Walnut Crest Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon: Reviews of Two Bargain Wines from Chile

Producer Vinedos Emiliana of Chile makes an entire line of value-priced wines from various growing areas in Chile called Walnut Crest. Here we review two of the popular Walnut Crest varietals, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

Review, Walnut Crest Cabernet Sauvignon:

Walnut Crest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are from the Valle Rapel region.

In the glass, Walnut Crest Cabernet Sauvignon is medium deep, dusty red. Aromas are jumping a bit from the glass - unusual for a value-priced cabernet. There is a note of funk (bottle just opened), along with a purple Kool-aid element, new balloons and a fresh, cold Grapesicle ice.

On sipping, the more serious notes of Walnut Crest emerge - deep, round, ruddy, slightly earthy fruit, with black charcoal elements. Most impressions are in the mid-palate. Still, a furry tannic side emerges, with just enough acid to lift the darker mood. Finish is clean and modest. Outstanding balance.

Three stars because I would return to this - adding a plus because so many disparate elements do seem to want to knit together. Lacks the intensity to drive to four stars; but an awesome value at its modest price.

Find Walnut Crest Cabernet Sauvignon at WineZap.

Review, Walnut Crest Chardonnay:

Walnut Crest Chardonnay grapes are from the Valle Central region.

The Walnut Crest Chardonnay is transparent in glass, hints of golden yellow. Served cool, on the nose I get apple and pear with just a touch of cream.

On the palate, this chardonnay produces a tingly mid-mouth fruit, consistent with the apples and pear that were seen on the nose. Not many secondary notes to back up the primary fruit. I am hunting for mineral, glycerine, butter, lemon - but find no hint of any of those, frankly. So, it is a tad too simple to gain my attention, but wholly pleasing in a most forgettable way.

I'm going to let this warm up a bit, however, and give it another try.... waiting... waiting... served closer to room temperature, the nose now shows same fruit as before, but this time includes just a touch of wet stone - nice! On the palate, a bit of silkiness accompanies the crispness, offering a nice balance, and clean, even finish.

Thus, we'll offer three stars, moving this to "best value" status - but with the definite caveat that you should not serve this too cool! Please bring closer to room temperature to bring out its intrinsic allure.

Walnut Crest Chardonnay had the distinction of a second place finish in a Wall Street Journal tasting of 60 South American chardonnays under $20 each. Not bad, considering that Walnut Crest was among the least expensive of the bunch!

Find Walnut Crest Chardonnay at WineZap.