2020 Casa Real

Fragrant spices and herbs, this feels nuanced and enticing, delivering savoury and intense sandalwood, cloves, cumin and turmeric spices that speak of a dry and hot vintage, coupled with juicy damson and cassis fruit, with plenty of cocoa bean and espresso giving an intense and concentrated finish. Enjoyable, this is a consistently impressive medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that feels distinctive. 3.56ph.

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.

2020 was the hottest vintage that they have experienced in the Carneros Viejo area of Maipo, and it took skilful winemaking, keeping the temperature low and slow for fermentation, to achieve this level of freshness and grip. Good architecture on display, with tomato leaf, balsamic, black pepper and sweet liqourice giving depth to the red cherry fruits. Expands upwards through the palate. 85% new oak, 15% one year old barrels, 5% press wine in the final blend. They irrigate during winter only to replenish water levels, then as little intervention as possible during the growing season. Third year on the Place for Santa Rita. Eric Boissenot consultant, winemaker Sebastián Labbé. Harvest March 10 to 23, one of earliest on record.