tastes of - Vintages

the
benchmark
… for Chilean Cabernet
Chile has proven itself as a formidable home for
Bordeaux varieties, and while Carmenère has
become the country’s signature red grape, what
Chile accomplishes with Cabernet Sauvignon is
certainly no less impressive. Chile’s long, dry growing
season allows the intense flavours and aromas of
Cabernet to fully emerge. This sophisticated wine is
a distinctly Chilean interpretation hailing from the
Maipo Valley, a region known for superbly balanced
reds. Santa Ema ages their Reserve Cabernet in
oak barrels for 10 months, imparting rich notes of
smoke and roasted coffee to the ripe dark-fruit
character inherent in the variety. The result is a
delectably flavour-packed, complex and poised
Cabernet that offers a delicious take on a classic.
SANTA EMA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2008
Maipo Valley, Chile
175422 (D) 750 mL $16.95
Jay Miller of erobertparker.com was also impressed
by this wine, rating it 90 points in Dec. 2010 and
extolling its “aromas of Asian spices, incense, pencil
lead, [and] blackcurrant.”
TASTING NOTE: This well-built red delivers a solid
core of crushed plum and blackberry fruit, with cassis,
violet and dark toast notes that linger on the finish.
Drink now through 2012. Score: 89 (James
Molesworth, winespectator.com, Feb. 28, 2011)
Featured in A Taste of Chile