2010 Santa Ema Barrel Select Cabernet/Merlot

The 2010 Barrel Reserve 60/40 is that precise blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot respectively, aged for 6 to 8 months in oak. It has a taut, well-defined bouquet of blackberry and raspberry leaf that is efficient, almost clinical. The palate is medium-bodied with sharp, angular tannins but great freshness and focus towards the brisk, citrus finish. Drink 2014-2017. Santa Ema traces its roots back to 1956 when “Don” Pedro and his son, Felix Pavone-Arbea, began making wine and selling it to restaurants and shops. This was one of the more satisfying tastings from Chile: a dependable set of wines with some excellent entry-level varietals that punched above their weight. More thought seems to have gone into these wines that exhibited fine balance and freshness and, to be honest, it was only at the premium end that they succumbed to excessive new oak that blotted out what appeared to be some excellent fruit. Still, overall, Santa Ema is certainly producing wines that show what Cachapoal can do? in the right hands. Importer: TGIC Importers Inc, Woodland Hills, CA; tel. (818) 225-5100