Santa Rita New Vintages

Santa Rita wines, imported from Chile into the U.S. by Palm Bay International, has released new vintages of three of its luxury wines. Santa Rita Triple C 2008 ($39.99 suggested retail), from the Maipo Valley, is 55% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carménère. The three varieties are vinified separately and stored in new, medium-toast French oak immediately after malolactic fermentation is completed. Each wine is then aged separately for 17 months and blended just before bottling. Santa Rita Pehuen 2007 ($69.99), from Colchagua Valley and Maipo Valley, is 95% Carménère and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; it features fresh black fruit and spice. Santa Rita Casa Real 2010 ($84.99), from the Maipo Valley, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; the wine is rich, supple and full-bodied with smooth tannins.