Almaviva 2021 Proprietary Red, Puente Alto Chile

96+ Points - limited                                                                            One of Chile's finest wines, the Almaviva is a delicious Cabernet blend. Almaviva is a joint venture between Concha Y Toro and the Rothschild family, begun in 1998. Like her father before her saw in the Opus One project, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild saw the potential to create a world-class claret from these own-rooted, 37 year old vines on purely alluvial soils high in the “Puente Alto” zone of the Maipo Valley. 98 Points James Suckling: "A fresh and discreet Almaviva with subtle pencil shavings and cigar box to the cassis and hints of chili chocolate and peppermint. Nuanced and subtle on the nose. This is medium-bodied and subtle on the palate with silky tannins in the seamless finish. Very long. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 22% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but it will take its time to deliver complexity." 96+ Points Robert Parker:  "The 2021 Almaviva leads with a lively bouquet centered around black fruits, sweet tobacco, fresh herbs and well-integrated, high-quality oak. The palate is precise and coiled, finishing with a delicious combination of expansive, juicy sweetness framed by structured, finessed tannins that gradually gain grip with aeration. The seductive style at Almaviva dovetails very nicely with the effortlessness of this vintage, offering a darker, more open-knit drinking experience than the comparatively buttoned-up, red-fruited 2022. This is accessible now, but an additional two or three years in the cellar is recommended. 96 Points Wine Spectator: "A real head-turner, this detailed and nuanced red opens with notes of Mexican spiced chocolate and crème de cassis before revealing a sleek yet rich core, which is built around pepper and graphite-laced berry, cassis and damson plum flavors that fan out around fresh acidity. Features taut but well-integrated tannins, crescendoing harmoniously with elements of molasses and cocoa. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2043."