Santa Rita was founded in 1880, a boom time for Chile, and was a driving force from the very start; the founder, Domingo Fernndez, introduced not just French equipment and expertise but also electricity to the Alto Jahuel region, where the winery is still based. As Chiles second largest owner of vineyards, Santa Rita can draw on a great diversity of terroir, where the various grape varieties are matched to the soil and climate of individual regions. The two winemakers, Cecilia Torres and Andrs Ilabaca, have made the most of this exceptional resource in their comprehensive range.Medalla Real is a classic high-class Chilean Cabernet: sweet cassis fruit intertwined with savoury notes of currant leaves, tobacco, and leather. Lovely balance and poise in the mouth, and a good refreshing finish.