2008 Casa Real

The 2008 Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon was handpicked and aged for 18 months in barrel. There are strong eucalyptus scents on the nose, making it very Australian in character. The palate is full-bodied with toasty, ripe tannins, black currant, cassis and blueberry jam. The finish shows more delineation and tension than the Pehuen and constitutes a more sophisticated wine. Drink 2014-2022. Santa Rita was founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernandez in the Maipo Valley and was one of the pioneers for planting European grape varieties. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Fragrant, appetising if low-key nose. Very well mannered with attractive freshness and a hint of mint. Drying finish. Serious wine, brow furrowed. Demure. Well intentioned. Certainly the opposite of flashy. Cool finish. Juicy fruit but slightly timid structure. (JR)

Ruby-red. Intense, spice-accented aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant and pipe tobacco, with a hint of cedar in the background. Fleshy and sweet, showing a seamless texture to the deep, bright red fruit compote and candied rose flavors. Picks up a smoky quality with air and finishes with outstanding clarity and lingering smokiness. While this complex wine is approachable now, especially with some aeration, its track record for aging suggests that at least another five years of patience would be rewarded.