The American critic praised the elegance, complexity and balance of the new vintage of Viña Santa Rita’s flagship wine, comparing it to the finest reds of the Left Bank Bordeaux for its restrained and refined style.

Following the team’s recent visit to Chile, James Suckling —led by Senior Editor Zekun Shuai—released the scores from his highly anticipated annual report. Among the top-rated wines in the country, Casa Real 2022 received 96 points, standing out as one of the most compelling Chilean Cabernet Sauvignons.

The critic praised its “engagingly complex nose” with notes of sweet tobacco, roasted spices, cedar, paprika, cocoa powder and cassis, and described its style as elegant, combining Chilean ripeness and opulence with something more restrained and precise. “There is spot-on balance,” he noted, highlighting its structure, fine tannins and creamy, lengthy finish.

“At their finest, wines like Casa Real 2022 pay tribute to Left Bank Bordeaux without the excessively ripe, sunny, dried tomato character often associated with richer Chilean reds,” Suckling added. “This offering is a testament to Chile’s ability to produce complex, nuanced cabernets that strike a balance between evoking classic Bordeaux with their tobacco and savory notes while at the same time remaining smooth and approachable at a young age.”

Casa Real is crafted only in exceptional vintages from select parcels in Alto Jahuel, in the heart of the Alto Maipo. Since its first vintage in 1989, it has built a legacy of consistency, elegance and international acclaim, positioning itself as one of Chile’s most iconic wines.