Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Carmen — Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, D.O. Maipo Valley, Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
A simple, casual, easygoing Cabernet built for everyday drinking rather than contemplation. Lightly spicy with juicy red and black fruit, soft structure, and friendly tannins, more “Netflix couch wine” than cellar trophy.

Aromas & Flavors
Black currant, red cherry, plum, mild peppery spice, touch of cocoa and gentle oak.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, smooth and approachable, modest tannins, easy finish with no hard edges.

Food Pairings
Burgers, weeknight pasta, roast chicken, tacos, pizza night, or honestly… takeout + sofa.

Verdict
Straightforward and pleasant. Lacks complexity or depth, but delivers exactly what it promises: a relaxed, no-thinking-required pour. Good value, low stress, easy company.

🍷 Did You Know?
Carmen is one of Chile’s historic wineries (founded 1850) and was instrumental in rediscovering Carménère as a distinct variety after it was long mistaken for Merlot.

Personal Pick
Not a study wine, a “second glass without noticing” wine. Perfect for unwinding when the day’s over and the brain is off duty. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Almaviva (EPU) – Blend – 2022
Puente Alto – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
The second wine from the Franco-Chilean partnership at Almaviva. The 2022 EPU is cabernet-dominated yet crafted for approachability. The blend reads approx. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carménère, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 
It delivers a more accessible expression compared to the flagship Almaviva, with plenty of power and Chilean terroir signature.

Aromas & Flavors
Cassis and blackberry liqueur wrapped with violets, graphite, cedar spice and a touch of mocha. The ripeness stands out, yet the freshness and terroir voice anchor it.

Mouthfeel
Deep and plush, yet polished. Velvety tannins and a full core of dark fruit make it substantial , but it remains more approachable than the top-tier bottling. Strong finish with good momentum.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, aged lamb chops, porcini risotto with truffle, or char-grilled vegetables with smoked paprika.

Verdict
An expressive, polished, and beautifully balanced blend. While it leans toward powerhouse, the finesse, lift and Chilean elegance make it stand out. A top pick in its category.

Did You Know?
“EPU” means “two” in Mapuche (indigenous Chilean language) and represents Almaviva’s second label, crafted from the same estate terroir as the flagship bottling. — 2 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Clear, medium ruby in color with a garnet rim; on the nose it's clean with medium intensity primary and secondary aromas of green peppercorns, graphite, and black cherries; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, high tannins, full body, high alcohol, and pronounced intensity primary and secondary flavors of blackberries, dried figs, and black currants with a medium finish. This wine is complex and intense. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. It improves with time in the glass. — 12 days ago

with Nellie

Steven Lee

9.4

pre xmas drink. the nose is off pomerol. there is still tannin grippy feel. napa cross pomerol — 2 months ago

Brett Durci

9.0

Nose of tart fruit and spice which shows up in the palate as well. Silky tannins that take a little time to build up. Easy to drink for a medium bodied red. It's holding up well to hearty spicy chilli, and the spice of the food is letting the fruit show more through the spice notes of the wine. Curious to see how it develops when I have some tomorrow. — 3 months ago

Antra Stabler

9.8

Solid gift bottle — 3 months ago

David Miska

9.1

Really like this. — 24 days ago

Michael Lavely

9.2

Fantastic red. — 22 days ago

Mary H

9.0

Generous red dried fruit, smooth mouthfeel with low but noticeable tannins — 2 months ago

Nathan Kolker

9.0

Home - Halloween 2025 — 3 months ago

with Sydney