Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Casa Real” 1999

($61, Palm Bay Imports): This is Santa Rita’s flagship wine, and though the winery has released later vintages (including a tight but tasty 2003), the American importer is still selling the now fully ready to drink 1999.  It’s delicious.  With a compelling bouquet reminiscent of superior Bordeaux, and sweet, ripe fruit flavors, it offers impressive depth and length along with great balance.   Powerful but at the same time graceful, it offers added evidence that Chile’s Central Valleys are home to some of the world’s finest Cabernet-based wines. 91 Michael Apstein Oct 9, 2007