At a glance

Producer

Viña Intriga (Viña Santa Rita Estates)

Region

Maipo Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$40 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe cassis, black cherry, currant, cedar, graphite, subtle spices, toasted oak, firm tannin structure.

Evolution: Fruit will integrate with earthy and savory notes (leather, tobacco) after 4-6 years; tannins will soften.

At peak: Refined structure, harmonious, elegant balance of fruit, tertiary complexity, and silky tannins in peak years.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus

Tannins

Firm, ripe

Alcohol

14.0%-14.5% ABV

Aging potential

Medium-Long (8-12 years from vintage, depending on storage)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Youthful, still developing

Current condition

Bright, structured, primary fruit and oak showing, can benefit from further cellaring for complexity.

The wine’s structure and balance point to optimal expression between 5-8 years after harvest, after which fruit may recede and secondary/tertiary notes take over.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, ribeye, short ribs, mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and bring out aromatic complexity in youth.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Drip irrigation for water conservation, integrated pest management, vineyard biodiversity buffers, partial use of recycled/recyclable packaging, energy efficiency measures at winery.

Viña Intriga, under Santa Rita Estates, participates in Chile’s national sustainability program (Sustainable Wine of Chile), with strong vineyard and winery standards for soil health, water use, and waste management. While not organic or biodynamic, they are leaders in large-scale sustainable practices for Chile. Export-related carbon footprint is higher due to global shipping, but on-site practices mitigate some impact. Packaging is mostly conventional, with some movement toward eco-friendlier materials. Overall, the producer shows meaningful commitments but does not achieve the highest sustainability benchmarks (organic or carbon-neutral).