(Originally published February 2008)

We’re broadening the scope of this ongoing features – in addition to keeping up with the goings-on of Les Dames d’Escoffier, we’ll be spotlighting the accomplishments of women in the wine industry.

For example, Santa Rita’s Cecilia Torres was recently named the 2007 Chilean Winemaker of the Year by Guia de Vinos de Chile, Chile’s most prestigious wine guide, created by winemakers, sommeliers, journalists and consumers. As the first woman to ever receive the award, Torres has yet another reason to be proud of her work with one of Chile’s largest and most prolific wineries.

Founded in 1880 in Chile’s Maipo Valley, Santa Rita was one of the first to pioneer plantings of European grape varieties in Chile. In 1980, the estate was acquired by its present owner, Grupo Claro and has shown remarkable growth under their direction. These days the winery makes about 1.2 million cases annually, making it one of the country’s top three wine producers. The range is equally impressive, from high-end wines like the Floresta and Triple C lines to some darn good values in the 120 Series and “Reserve” lines.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Torres over lunch recently and taste a little bit of this and that from Santa Rita’s broad portfolio. We had a great time, and the wines offered a few surprises!

By far the most memorable was the Santa Rita 2004 Syrah Alto Maipo Floresta ($45). Bold and concentrated, with black currant and dark chocolate aromas and flavors layered with pretty spices and toasty vanilla. Lots of oak going on here, but the fruit is so intense that it all seems to balance out. Long, tightly wound finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

Also in the top tier wines was the Santa Rita 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Casa Real ($61). Pretty and aromatic, with blackberry, sweet tobacco, clove, vanilla and a touch of earth on a smooth, supple frame. Lingering finish. Should age nicely. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

At the other end of the portfolio was the Santa Rita 2005 Carmenere Rapel Valley 120 ($9). A tasty little wine that (thankfully) steered away from green and headed straight for ripe, with smooth plum and silky chocolate flavors accented with just a dash of earthiness. Would be a winner with casual backyard barbecue or even a grilled hamburger. Ready to drink now.

Here are a few other Santa Rita wines we’ve tasted lately:

Santa Rita 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Medalla Real Special Reserve ($19). Just an outstanding value, with concentrated, beautifully structured blackberry, currant and blueberry fruit laced with earthy dark chocolate, espresso and roasted herbal notes that fold into a long, deep finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

Santa Rita 2004 Triple C Maipo Valley ($56). Blockbuster stuff, with rich black currant and blackberry flavors accented with sweet tobacco, earth, mocha and exotic spices. Nothing shy about this wine, from start to full-bodied finish, with some definite grip throughout. A blend of 55% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carménère. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

Santa Rita 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Casa Real ($56). A great example of how well Santa Rita’s upper-tier wines can age, this one has smoothed out a bit and has taken on a lusher quality than when it was first released. Rich, ripe blackberry and currant flavors, with roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate and sweet, smoky earthy notes that fold together on a long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

Learn more about Santa Rita and its wines at www.santarita.com.