Pewën de Apalta 2021, considered an exponent wine of Carménerè in Chile, was awarded with 95 points in the renowned U.S. competition.

February 2023.  The renowned U.S. wine critic published the results of the wines tasted by his representative Zekun Shuai in his Santa Rita visit. Pewën de Apalta 2021, a Chilean Carménerè exponent, was scored with 95 points and Casa Real Reserva Especial 2020 obtained 94 points.

Pewën de Apalta 2021, it’s a high standard Carménerè from Chile’s most outstanding soils for this variety and was reviewed by Shuai as “a deep and pretty spicy Carménère with some roasted red peppers, olives and hints of cedar, dark cherries and cocoa powder. Excellent balance with plenty of fine-grained dusty tannins. Nicely austere with the dryness balancing the fruit sweetness. Rather intellectual and really drinkable.”

Santa Rita´s icon wine, Casa Real Reserva Especial 2020, elaborated from one of Chile’s most emblematic grape varieties as Cabernet Sauvignon. It was recognized for the representative of Suckling as “well-poised Cabernet Sauvignon with a creamy edge to the strawberries, currants and spices. Generous fruit with structured but refined tannins throughout the palate. Juicy and quite long”.

The Floresta range it is a faithful reflex of an honest work based in the origin, by highlighting their vineyard innovation, part of the range; Floresta Field Blend Blanco 2021 obtained 93 points and stood out as a wine “with such a floral and perfumed nose with lots of jasmine, orange, peaches and orange blossoms, some gingery notes, too. Nicely grippy and structured on medium- to full-bodied palate. 10 months on the skins, but did not turn “orange.” Still quite bright and lemony in color with a light gold hue. Very attractive!” Shuai remarked.

Likewise, Floresta Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and Floresta Chardonnay 2021 obtained 92 points. In the case of Floresta Cabernet Franc 2021 and Floresta Carménerè 2021 received 91 points.

Finally, Triple C 2020, a Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménerè Blend, obtained 93 points. Shuai called it as “a harmonious array of red and black fruits with dark olives, cocoa and a touch of black beans and cedar. Medium to full- bodied mouthfeel with lots of fine- grained tannins and support. Excellent effort from the hot and dry 2020, still vibrant and juicy”.

Other notable Santa Rita wines were:

–        Bougainville Petite Sirah Bougainville 2020, 92 points.

–        Medalla Real Gold Medal Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 91 points.

–        Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, 91 points.

–        Medalla Real Gran Reserva Carménère 2021, 91 points.

–        Medalla Real Gran Reserva Carménère 2021, 91 points.

–        Medalla Real Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2022, 91 points.

–        Medalla Real Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2022, 91 points.

–        8 Keys Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, 90 points.

–        Estate Reserve Carménère 2022, 90 points.

–        Medalla Real Reserva Chardonnay 2022, 90 points.

–        Medalla Real Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2022, 90 points.