2016 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva, Chile, Puente Alto, Wine Review

This is a joint project with Baron Philippe Rothschild and Conch y Toro. It is one of the top reds made in Chile although not technically a Cabernet with 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carménère, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, spice, black cherries and cigar box. Full bodied with a really lovely texture. medium tannins. On the palate, more black cherries, but some cassis with an underlying spiciness. A bit of rosemary at the finish. This is drinking well but may yet improve. Drink over the next 12 to 15 years. Wile it drinks great on its own, it will work better with food. This would be a nice wine to pair with a steak.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2016

Current Price:

$125.00USD

2007 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor, Chile, Puente Alto, Wine Review

Vintage:

2007

Score:

Grade:

A-

Nice to try this with about 14 years of age behind it. This is still youthful. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, spice, cigar box, and slight rosemary. Full bodied. On the palate, cassis, slight black cherries over tobacco. Delicious. Light tannins. Long finish. This is drinking well but should easily go another twelve to fifteen years. Drinks well on its own but will work better with food. A steak or other grilled meats would work well.

2010 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor, Chile, Puente Alto, Wine Review

Vintage:

2010

Score:

Grade:

Always nice to try this flagship wine of Chile. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cassis, roasted herbs, and slight roasted meat. On the palate, this is black cherries with underlying graphite. The wine had been decanted for a few hours and needed every bit of it. Medium tannins at that point. It is deep and powerful but nicely balanced. Long finish. Went great with roasted eggplant and other veggies. There may still be some upside but even if not, this is terrific now and should be at this level for at least another decade.

2017 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$100.00USD

This is one of the top wines from Chile. The bottle was decanted prior to tasting. Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is nice with cassis, cherry candy, slight bell pepper, cedar and forest floor. Medium to full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, this is delicious. Cassis, cherries, and bell pepper. Nice finish. This is lighter in style that say Napa or even Bordeaux, but it is almost seamless. The green bell pepper may be distracting to some, but it drinks more like a Napa Cab from the 70's or 80's. It is drinking well now with a decant, but may improve with

2016 Haras de Pirque Albis, Chile, Maipo Valley, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$48.00USD

A new wine for me. This is an Antinori project in Chile. A blend of 81% Cabernet sauvignon and 19% Carmenere. Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice with plums, black cherries, herbal notes and spice. Medium to full bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, this drinks well. Black cherry fruit with slight rosemary note. A bit bitter and drying on the finish. This should drink well for another five to eight years. Good on its own, this will work well with heavier foods. Lamb chops and mashed potatoes would be a nice match.

2018 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva, Chile, Central Valley, Wine Review

Vintage:

2018

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$22.00USD

This is a Bordeaux styled blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Carmenere, 11% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc from Chile. It is also a very nice value for the quality. Purple at the core with a ruby rim, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is tight but opens up to cassis, coffee and spice. Nothing green on the nose. On the palate, black cherries, cassis, smoke and fresh tobacco. Medium tannins. Softer texture. This is surprisingly open right from the start. There is a nice complexity. It drinks easily now and should continue for the next ten to twelve years. A nice m

2016 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva, Chile, Puente Alto, Wine Review

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