Santa Rita ‘Medalla Real’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019/20, Maipo Valley

Renowned Chilean winery Santa Rita was founded in 1880. Medalla Real was created to celebrate Francisco García Huidobro, an ancestor of the winery’s founders. He established the first Mint in Chile and had a medal coined to commemorate his innovation. Mature vines are used to create this complex wine. Grapes are slow-ripening thanks to cool night-time temperatures, allowing concentrated flavours to develop before picking. The end result is powerful but elegant. It has intense aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry and cherry, combined with soft cedar and spice. It’s supple and juicy with a long, lingering finish. Delicious with steak in pepper sauce. The 2020 vintage was awarded 90 points by Tim Atkin MW, and 90 points by James Suckling.