I have enjoyed the last several vintage of this Santa Carolina Cabernet and the 2009 vintage is the best I have had so far. Although not a very deep colour for a Cabernet, it is more like a medium ruby with aromas of dark plum, black cherry blueberry, spice oak and vanilla. The palate has loads of flavours, spiciness, with lively acidity, grippy tannins and noticeable heat from the 14.5% alcohol. Good length on the finish with robust texture and mild tannins. This year the bottle is 35% lighter than the past, a commendation to be awarded for sure. Awesome Cabernet Sauvignon for $18, great value and strongly recommended.

The 2009 Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak for 15 months, is medium bodied, FRUITY to integrated wine, with nice aromas of blackberry, black cherry, oak, coconut and vanilla. Tannins are refined (decant for 15 to 30 min) and the finish is medium to long and silky. It is ready to drink now and will nicely cellar for 5 to 10 years. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 90 pts. Tasted Sept/11.

If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy.

Very nice, dense, full-bodied Cabernet-Sauvignon with a long, smooth finish. When I saw how dark this wine was when I poured the first glass, I had the feeling this would be an enjoyable experience...which was comfirmed with the first glass. Safe bet when you have guests. Going back to buy some more and repeat this nice experience. Tasted January 2012.

Sweet Carolina is this a deal. $18 for a well made, flavor driven, Chilean Cab. Like a well cologned Neil Diamond squeezing some ripe oranges. It’s got a powerful lingering scent, a larger than average nose, its super juicy, and its catchy like his lyrics. Buy a few and ply up your friends because “Good times have never felt so good”. Ba Ba Bahhhh.

Wonderful start, but it lost a little by the third glass, so I cannot quite give this one a 90.