2020 Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

Casa Real is based on vines from the 1970s in the Carneros Viejo Vineyard (70% of the blend) plus Población, another of Santa Rita's mature vineyards in Maipo, planted in 1974, all in the Alto Jahuel zone, near the foot of the Andes in Alto Maipo. 2020 was a very hot year, so the harvest had to be moved up to the second half of March, two weeks earlier than in an average year. But that warmth is not evident in a very elegant Casa Real with very soft and juicy tannins, a strong presence of sweet spices and herbal tones, and acidity that seems to illuminate the flavors. The finish is herbal and spicy, the flavors are long, and the memory of the fruit remains on the palate for a long time. ~ 96 Descorchados

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Casa Real, from Alto Jahuel, spent 20 months in barrels, 82% of them new and the rest second use. A purplish-red with a garnet sheen. The ripe nose presents blackcurrant and blackberry over a layer of cedar, notes of ash from the aging process over a backdrop of graphite, wax and mint. The broad, polished tannins and velvety feel linger at the back of the palate before the rich, complex finish. Keep in the cellar for at least two more years to let it really come together. ~ 96 Vinous Media

Aromatically very vibrant with violets and floral notes- cherry and crushed raspberries with subtle graphite notes. The tannins are dense and powdery and dust the top of the palate. A peppery twang on the palate, a savoury note comes through as well leading to a long finish with an aromatic and vibrant lift throughout. Impressive. ~ 95 Alistair Cooper MW by Catad'Or Wine Guide

Offers engaging aromas of floral raspberry, currant, red tea leaves and herbs, which segue to a palate showing generous mineral acidity and a concentrated yet creamy array of spice-inflected plum and berry accents. Finishes with broad-textured tannins and good length. Drink now through 2033. 2,000 cases made, 100 cases imported. ~94 James Scukling

~ 93 Alexander MA

~ 94 Tim Atkin

The warmth of the year is felt on the nose. Herbs and flowers. Cassis, ripe orange peel and raspberry. Succulent, lively, ample and vibrant. Black pepper and spicy acidity add seasoning. It also shows cherry. The tannins are reactive, powerful and with a provocative texture. A long wine that will evolve beautifully. Cedar reveals itself on the finish with a hint of milkiness and cassis appears in the aftertaste. First year in which the (new) 15-year-old vineyard participates with 3% of the blend. ~ 94 Revista Adega

Inviting aromas of sweet spices and hints of green bell pepper show on the nose of this Cabernet. The palate offers savory notes of herbs, ripe red berries and subtle toasted oak flavors. This is herbaceous in character and smooth. ~ 92 Wine Enthusiast

The 2020 Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon shows the substantial difficulties of this vintage, both in terms of heat stress and the COVID lockdowns, which unfolded in real-time during the harvest. It is a more red-fruited iteration of Casa Real, opening with focused aromas of cherry liqueur with leathery herbal accents and a distinct iodine note. The palate is rich and opulent yet compact and taut, finishing with an introverted finish with salty, grainy tannins that show the heat stress of the vintage. While this could perhaps use another year or so to soften, I suspect it is an iteration to enjoy while the 2021 develops in the cellar. ~ 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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