Santa Alicia
Santa Alicia Winery was established in 1954 by Maximo Valdes, an important Chilean politician and businessman at that time. He founded the original Santa Alicia Vineyard, the “Houses of Pirque”, in the fertile area near Chile’s capital and began planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Our Santa Alicia wine reviews indicate their focus on value wines from their Reserva line up to their Millantu Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere blend. While over a half dozen different grape varieties are used to produce Santa Alicia wines, their core focus remains on producing value Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere wines according to our Santa Alicia ratings. Santa Alicia wines are consistently recognized as “Best Buy Selections” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and have received several medals and awards for their value lines of wine. Be sure to check out our Santa Alicia Buying Guide below to see which wines are best suited for you.
Santa Alicia 2008 Gran Reserva de los Andes Carmenère (Maipo Valley)
- $15
Dark cherry, berry and a certain level of sweetness give this wine a ripe opening. The palate is fruity and a touch buttery due to full oak, while the flavors are also oaky but fold in spice, carob and berry flavors. Dry and peppery on the finish.
— M.S.
(6/1/2011)
Santa Alicia 2009 Gran Reserva de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)
- $15
This is a spicy number with a minty green aroma along with cherry, molasses and smoke notes. The mouthfeel is edgy and lively, while the flavors of vanilla, cocoa and herbal plum and berry are solid and composed. It’s solid but a bit herbal on the finish.
— M.S.
(3/1/2013)
Santa Alicia 2005 Millantu Red (Maipo Valley)
- $16
There’s no shortage of hickory and cinnamon aromas, which are derived from the wine’s copious oak. In the mouth, it’s all about cassis, blackberry, cola and chocolate...that and a tiny hint of butter and vanilla. A little chewy and thick on the finish, with black pepper and carob.
— M.S.
(5/1/2009)
Santa Alicia 2006 Millantu Red (Maipo Valley)
- $28
Earthy and herbal on the nose, with a nice blanket of leather to add rusticity to the wine’s core cherry and raspberry aromas. The palate is full, chewy and a touch candied, with roasted berry, herb and chocolate flavors. Finishes lightly roasted as well; drink now.
— M.S.
(6/1/2011)
Santa Alicia 2010 Gran Reserva de los Andes Merlot (Maipo Valley)
- $15
Dark spice, mild herbal aromas, lightly stewed berry scents and tomato carry the nose on this Merlot. The mouthfeel is firm and full, and overall quite good, while flavors of baked plum, blackberry, herbs and toast lead to a chocolaty, round finish. This is a good red wine with kick and character.
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)
Santa Alicia 2009 Reserva Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz (Maipo Valley)
- Best Buy
- Online Exclusive
- $9
A nice rosé, especially at $9. The pink color is attractive and so is the bouquet of cotton candy, fresh red fruits and vanilla. The palate shows proper zest and kick, while the flavors of plum and raspberry are juicy and controlled. Finishes healthy and citrusy. Proof that Chile is learning how to make good, affordable rosé wines.
— M.S.
(3/1/2010)
Santa Alicia 2003 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)
- Best Buy
- $13
For full-bodied, true Cabernet at a reasonable price, Santa Alicia’s 2003 Gran Reserva is a winner. The plum and berry flavors are clean and supported by proper creamy oak, and the tannins are pliable and add backbone. Drink now.
— M.S.
(11/15/2007)
Santa Alicia 2010 Reserva Merlot (Maipo Valley)
- Best Buy
- Online Exclusive
- $9
Dry, spicy and floral smelling, with modest herbal accents. The palate is saturated and fairly rich, with good texture and broad, satisfying flavors of berry and plum. Sturdy, consistent and fresh, with easy drinkability.
— M.S.
(9/1/2011)
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