2005 Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Maipo Valley

90 points Wine Spectator: "Muscular, with solid loam, raspberry, blackberry, fig paste and coffee notes backed by a broad, dark, toasty finish. Rock-solid. Drink now through 2010." (02/09) One of the hardest panels of people to please is our staff here at K&L. Much more difficult than approval by the fashionistas on Oscar night, harder than the judging of any of the last three Marques vs. Vasquez fights, and tougher than judging gymnastics at the Olympics, they are simply brutal. Think you have the next big thing, someone is right around the corner to shoot it down, "too edgy," "has VA," "that's not dry" all heard before you know it, and those are just some of the nice ones. If you see Jim Barr getting out his copper pipe you know you really have problems. My point is this, to my surprise everyone thought the Santa Ema "Reserve" Cab was a great deal, I heard not a single detractor in the bunch. The reason why is simple: this is just a great wine for $10 a bottle. Packed with its loam, coffee, blueberry and mocha tones, this sings as soon as the bottle is opened. No need to lay this Cab down to resolve and rough edges, it is as smooth as Barry White in a sequined jump suit. OK, maybe that is a bad example but you get my point. So try this out with your weekly burger or even your spaghetti and meatballs, just don't try and pick it apart knowing that the toughest of the tough have already tried. (Bryan Brick, K&L)