2007 Calina Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Chile

The Calina Cabernet was a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy for both the 2005 and 2006 vintages, with the 2006 receiving this review: "The majority of Calina's wines are solid and worth their price, as is this lively Cab. It gets going with forward aromas of leather, cassis and earth...sweet and smooth raspberry and plum fruit in front of a good finish." (09/08) We fully expect the 2007 to follow suit because it has what so many Cabernets in this price lack - character. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, rich and expansive. It is laced with flavors ranging from plums, cassis and cherry to earth, cedar and anise. It is open and generous on the palate with enough tannin and acidity to keep it balanced and delicious. Calina's 2007 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon features grapes from estate and grower vineyards in Maule, Itata and Colchagua. Located south of Santiago, these regions are still being explored and developed, especially in some of the cold, "marginal" climate areas close to the ocean. This Cabernet shows the character and benefits of a long growing season.The slow, even ripening of the grapes and extended hang time result in lush, complex aromatics coupled with firm balancing acidity. Includes 15% Merlot.