Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Dark Cabernet Sauvignon

Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Dark Cabernet Sauvignon is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blend from Chile's Valle Central, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Distinguished from the standard Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet by the addition of Syrah in the blend — roughly 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah — the Dark expression delivers a bolder, more concentrated profile that has earned the broader Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet line scores including 89 points from James Suckling and 88 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Valle Central, Chile  |  Red Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah)  |  Producer: Viña Concha y Toro

Production & Heritage

Viña Concha y Toro, founded in 1883, is Chile's largest and most recognized wine producer. The Casillero Del Diablo line draws fruit from multiple premium sub-regions within Valle Central, including Maule, Rapel, and the Maipo Valley — a sourcing strategy that allows winemakers to select the strongest lots across diverse terroirs each vintage. The Dark variant undergoes aging in a combination of French and American oak barrels, which contributes structure and subtle spice complexity beyond what the standard Cabernet Sauvignon bottling achieves. The addition of Syrah introduces deeper color extraction and a richer mouthfeel, justifying the "Dark" designation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackcurrant and dark plum before giving way to notes of dark chocolate and dried herbs. A subtle mintiness and whisper of oak spice emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: On the palate, berry and black plum flavors arrive with spicy, well-defined edges. The mid-palate builds with currant and cherry-pie richness, supported by medium body and firm yet silky tannins. A creamy oak note develops toward the peak, adding depth without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: The finish is crisp and moderately long, with lingering tobacco leaf and dried fruit. Tannins close with a slightly chewy grip that leaves a clean, satisfying impression.

How to Drink Casillero Del Diablo Dark

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (around 16–18°C) and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of air after opening, which helps the oak and fruit integrate further. It also performs reliably in red wine cocktails and punches.

• Kalimotxo: The Dark's bold fruit and tannic structure hold up against cola's sweetness, creating a surprisingly balanced Spanish classic.
• Red Wine Sangria: Dark plum and berry notes shine alongside citrus and brandy, giving sangria genuine backbone rather than thin fruitiness.
• New York Sour: The wine's concentrated color and spice float dramatically over a whiskey sour base, adding complexity to the layered cocktail.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats where you want a step above the everyday pour
• Introducing curious drinkers to Chilean Cabernet blends without a steep investment
• Stocking a house red that reliably impresses across casual gatherings and barbecues
• Blind tasting sessions comparing Chilean value wines against higher-priced New World Cabernets

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casillero Del Diablo Dark taste like? It delivers ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, and dark chocolate flavors with medium body and firm, silky tannins. A creamy oak note and hints of tobacco emerge on the finish.

How does Casillero Del Diablo Dark compare to the regular Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon? The standard bottling is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and tends toward a lighter, more straightforward red-fruit profile. The Dark variant adds approximately 10% Syrah, resulting in deeper color, richer mouthfeel, and more pronounced dark-fruit and chocolate notes.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Dark good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced tannins and fruit concentration make it a satisfying standalone pour, especially after a few minutes of airing in the glass.

Where is Casillero Del Diablo Dark made? It is produced by Viña Concha y Toro in Chile's Valle Central, sourcing fruit from sub-regions including Maule, Rapel, and the Maipo Valley.

What foods pair well with Casillero Del Diablo Dark? Grilled ribeye steak benefits from the wine's tannic grip. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its herbal undertones. Aged cheddar or Manchego complement the creamy oak notes. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa character. Smoky pulled pork aligns with its plum and spice depth.

What sizes does Casillero Del Diablo Dark come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size for this expression.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Dark worth the price? It positions squarely in the value tier, yet consistently delivers concentration and complexity that rival wines priced considerably higher — a hallmark of Concha y Toro's massive vineyard sourcing network across Chile's key regions.

Why Casillero Del Diablo Dark?

What sets the Dark apart within the Casillero Del Diablo range is the deliberate inclusion of Syrah alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, a blending choice that pushes the wine toward richer, darker territory without losing varietal clarity. The broader line has earned critical recognition, including an 89-point rating from James Suckling and Tim Atkin naming the Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet his "Value Red Wine of the Year." With Concha y Toro producing approximately 26 million bottles across this range while maintaining quality sourced from Maule, Rapel, and Maipo, the consistency is remarkable for a wine at this price point. For drinkers who find the standard Cabernet Sauvignon too restrained, the Dark bottling is the logical — and rewarding — next step.