Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

Wine: Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Maipo Valley, Chile

Vintage: 2008

Price: $7.99

In the glass: Santa Alicia Cabernet is a deep ruby-red color with a solid core going out into a light purplish-red and clear rim with medium-high viscosity.

On the nose: The very essence of freshly crushed black currant jumps out, with underlying notes of blackberry juice, herbal infusion, and subtle hints of wood and minerals.

On the palate: The wine is pleasingly full-bodied with attacks of cassis, boysenberry jam, concentrated crushed black fruit, definite licorice undertones and a lovely delineated midpalate. The finish is supple with ripe tannins, showing a structure good enough to indicate the wine will drink well for a couple of years. It lingers nicely on the palate with star anise and mineral, as well as currant hints.

Odds and ends: Having recently completed a large horizontal tasting of Chilean and Argentinean wines, I found some outstanding examples of why these two countries provide the best value in wines in the United States. The Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva proves the point, offering tremendous drinkability for less than $8. The winery is in the fertile Maipo Valley and has just the right conditions to re-create the climate of the origins of this grape variety in Bordeaux, France. While this producer sells many wines, it is clear to me that cabernet is its strong suit. It is classic in its range of flavors, while providing both structure and backbone, making it a good aging prospect. Try it with grilled lamb chops, and drink it through 2015.

Gil Lempert-Schwarz's wine column appears Wednesdays. Write him at P.O. Box 50749, Henderson, NV 89016-0749, or e-mail him at gil@winevegas.com.