Santa Rita Triple C 2011
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James
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Wine & Spirits
Santa Rita's home base is in Alto Jahuel, in the southern reaches of the Alto Maipo. Farther from the influence of the mountains than vineyards to the north, closer to Santiago, Alto Jahuel tends to be warmer. Any effect of that warmth, however, is diminished in this wine from the cold 2011 vintage. A blend of cabernet franc (65%) plus cabernet sauvignon and carmenere, it's firm and rich, layered with black currant, dark cherry and plum flavors over a dense network of tannins. Still youthful, this could use five years in the cellar before opening it for grilled pork chops.
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James Suckling
This shows richness and depth of fruit with dried berry, chocolate and hazelnut. Full body, soft and silky tannins and a lightly chewy finish. A blend of 65% cabernet franc, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 5% carmenere.
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of tobacco, vanilla and licorice are nicely intermixed with black fruit scents. The palate on this blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère is hard driving and focused. Flavors of plum, currant and spice hold steady across a tannic, mildly abrasive finish.
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Heritage and enterprise are hallmarks of Santa Rita, one of Chile's premier wine estates. Founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernandez in Chile's Maipo Valley, this historic property was among the first to pioneer plantings of European grape varieties in Chile.
In 1980, it was acquired by its present owner, Ricardo Claro, under whom Santa Rita has reaped the rewards of continuous investment, resulting in a period of impressive growth, during which the winery has consolidated its position in the vanguard of Chile's most successful and innovative estates. Initiatives include the highly successful launch of Santa Rita’s 120 Series of wines and a range of ultra-premium wines, notably the highly acclaimed Casa Real and Triple C. Wide-ranging enhancements embrace the purchase of choice new vineyards, plantings with top quality clones, improved trellising and irrigation, balanced viticulture, restricted yields, later harvesting, individual block farming, small-lot vinification, and an increased emphasis on sustainable agriculture.
Today Santa Rita exports to more than 70 countries worldwide. The property accounts for outstanding vineyards in Chile’s most important appellations - the Maipo Valley; Casablanca; Rapel; Apalta; Leyda and Curico - enabling access to diverse climates and terrain.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
The Maipo Valley is Chile’s most famous wine region. Set in the country’s Central Valley, it is warm and quite dry, often necessitating the use of irrigation. Alluvial soils predominate but are supplemented with loam and clay.
The climate in Maipo is best-suited for ripe, full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon (the region’s most widely planted grape), Merlot, Syrah and Carmenère, a Bordeaux variety that has found a successful home in Chile.
White wines are also produced with great prosperity, especially near the cooler coast, include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.