Joanna Simon noted in the Sunday Times, "Cabernet and Merlot are grown almost everywhere, but few countries achieve such textbook flavours at such keen prices as Chile." Our Buyer, Becca, returned from her last mission eager to share her latest discovery with us - a lush, pure Merlot that combines Bordeaux-style elegance with a smooth juiciness that's uniquely Chilean. It's from the Santa Rita estate (highly regarded by fine wine critic Robert Parker), which helped shape Chile's history when its cellar proved a useful (and convivial) hiding place for Chilean patriots fighting for independence from Spain in 1814.With its silken berry flavours and gentle oak notes, The Patriots is lovely as a glass on its own or with simple midweek suppers.