Leather, cheese, licorice, herb and tomato notes define the nose on this snappy, crisp Cabernet that’s more racy and zesty than rich and deep. The finish is wiry, but overall the wine is short on richness. — (3/1/2013) —85

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Vision was sourced from the El Recurso Vineyard and spent 12 months in barrel. Asian spices, cedar, tobacco, and black currant aromas set the stage for a savory, ripe, well-balanced Cabernet that has enough structure to drink well for another 4-5 years. It is a very good value. Cono Sur Vineyards and Winery has established a reputation for combining value and quality and has been a leader in the development of Pinot Noir in Chile. The Bicycle Series is their entry level, line priced at $10. The next step up the ladder is the Vision series which are single vineyard wines line priced at $15. The top tier is the Limited Edition 20 Barrel Series which are somewhat pricier. Cono Sur also produces several bargain priced wines from organically grown fruit.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 949-6264

Prune, blackberry and minty aromas seem a little overripe and fall off towards raisin. The palate is chunky and weighty, with thick berry and syrupy flavors offset by leafy, herbal notes. Finishes with grabby tannins; could use more bounce. ——M.S.(12/1/2011)—— 86

A firm and lively Cab with aromas of tobacco, cassis, spice cake and chocolate. It’s ripe and forward on the palate, where the bouquet is reflected via flavors of cassis, vanilla, coffee and tobacco. Fresh on the finish and never herbal despite the 15% Carmenere in the blend. ——W.E.(2/1/2011)—— 88