- 94 points -
James Suckling , May 2017 (Vintage 2015)Blackberry, black walnut, stone and black tea aromas. Full body, very ripe and rich with loads of fruit. Long and flavorful. A beauty. Dark and delicious.
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SANTA EMA
Syrah Gran Reserva
2018
- Sustainable
Country
Chile
Regulated designation
Denominación de Origen
Region
Aconcagua
Subregion
Valle de San Antonio, Valle de Leyda
Varietal(s)
Syrah
100 %
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website
About this winery
With over 60 years of professional experience, Santa Ema are pioneers in the Maipo Valley where they are always searching for the best expressions of terroir, from the mountains to the coast. The beginnings of Santa Ema date back to the beginning of the 20th century, when don Pedro Pavone Voglino, an Italian immigrant, sportsperson, and businessman, discovered a great terroir in Isla de Maipo, where the head offices still operate today. The founder and his son, Félix Pavone Arbea, an...
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Product notes
Grapes sourced from Leyda Valley. The 2018 harvest began a little later than normal due to a cold and rainy spring followed by a temperate summer. High temperatures in March and April allowed the fruit to finish ripening and also helped compensate for the late start on the harvest, which ended in early May. The quality was very good, and despite yields that were higher than expected, the wines have good aromatic intensity and acidity as well as the proper volume, character, freshness, and rounded tannins.
Production notes
The grapes were hand picked, then crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks for 7 days at 86ºF (30ºC). Upon completion of the malolactic fermentation, the wine was barrel aged for 8–10 months in French and American oak to obtain and deliver greater complexity and structure.
Tasting notes
Intense aromas of red fruits such as raspberries and black currant with floral notes accompanied by smoked meat and tobacco. A generous, ripe, and well structured palate with a pleasingly long finish.
Press reviews
- 92 points -
January 2023 (Vintage 2020)Santa Ema buys syrah grapes in the coastal Leyda Valley, and uses them to produce this deliciously fresh red with rich acidity and sharp tannins that invite you to continue drinking. Unlike many coastal syrahs, which tend to be exuberant and lush, this one tips toward freshness in a wine that's linear and refreshing, and at a price that has to be one of the variety's best bargains in this price range.
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- 92 points -
2021 (Vintage 2019)Coastal syrahs are often lush and ripe to a somewhat excessive degree. However, there's a new group of examples that go the other way, like this syrah from the granitic slopes of the Leyda Valley, which tend to offer a much fresher, less concentrated, less exuberant face of the variety. The tannins are fine and sharp, the acidity speaks of the fresh influence of the sea, and the fruit is red and crisp.
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- 91 points -
June 2021 (Vintage 2019)A medium-to full-bodied red with aromas of black cherries, dried herbs, soy and smoked meat. Firm, round tannins and fresh acidity with a savory finish. Drink now or hold.
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- 90 points -
April 2020 (Vintage 2018)A rich nose with ripe black-fruit aromas, as well as redder tones. The palate has a succulent core of such pure, glossy and primary, ripe cassis and blackberries. Drink now.
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- 90 points -
May 2017Friendly Syrah with herbal and eucalyptus aromas. Round with soft tannins, plain chocolate and savoury finish. Nice intensity and complexity.
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February 2023 (Vintage 2021)
Medium-bodied, balanced red with aromas of bark, dried earth, blackberries, mulberries and spice box. The tannins are sleek and integrated. Savory finish.
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