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. — 20 days ago

Jason Phillips

9.2

Wonderful nose. Light color, almost like a Pinot. Very balanced, coating the palate. Higher acidity but smooth finish. — 5 months ago

Paulo Saliby

9.1

Iron and dark fruits on the nose. Coffee and dark chocolate flavors with a discrete sour finish. A little bit awkward. It needs 1 year to achieve a nice balance. — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Almaviva – Red Blend – 2022
Puente Alto – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
A “pure evil” expression of ultra-fine winemaking produced by the collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro. The 2022 Almaviva blends precision and power from Chile’s premier terroir in Puente Alto.
Varietal Composition: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenère, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 

Aromas & Flavors
Cassis, blackberry liqueur, violets, graphite, cedar spice, and a touch of mocha, all densely packed but beautifully lifted.

Mouthfeel
Velvety, deep, and resolute. Superb tannin refinement with a long, elegant finish that balances richness with precision.

Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, lamb chops, charred mushrooms, or a luxurious truffle risotto.

Verdict
Expressive, beautiful, and undeniably classy. A solid, velvety powerhouse that is enjoyable now or will age with grace.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
The finest expression I’ve tasted from Chile’s greatest terroir, Puente Alto, with roared potential and impeccable balance. — 20 days ago

Ron R

9.4

Close friend gifted us this over 15 years ago. This has stood still and I’m loving it. Typical Bdx profile displaying saddle leather, wood and smoke from the barrel toast. Tannins are moderate and standing tall. Outstanding in my book. — 5 months ago

with Anne-marie

Delectable Wine

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9.5

A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot from Maipo Alto that spent 22 months in French barrels, 80% new and 10% in casks. This was a cold year, making for the ideal ripeness. The delicate, seductive nose combines raspberry with young blackcurrant, herb and mint. Well-balanced, it presents a smooth texture and a powerful flavor juicy on the tongue with just a hint of pyrazine that underlines the smoky finish. A serious wine. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, March 2020) — 6 years ago

Joe Flo

9.6

Wine Spectator #1 wine dinner. With a good decanting this was a great wine. 🍷 — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Carmen – Cabernet Sauvignon Delanz 2020
Alto Jahuel, Maipo Valley – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
This Bordeaux-style blend from Carmen is composed of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 3% Petit Syrah. Sourced from Alto Jahuel — one of Maipo Valley’s most celebrated subzones — it reflects the region’s gravelly soils and cooling Andean breezes that echo Bordeaux’s Left Bank, while adding Chile’s hallmark ripeness.

Aromas & Flavors
Cassis, blackberry, and ripe cherry form the core, layered with graphite, cedar, and fresh tobacco leaf. Subtle violet, dried herbs, and cocoa powder add finesse and depth.

Mouthfeel
Firmly structured yet polished, with ripe tannins and vibrant acidity. Concentrated dark fruit balanced by savory undertones and a mineral edge, finishing long and persistent.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, or venison highlight its structure, while mushroom risotto, charcuterie, or aged cheeses like Manchego accentuate its elegance.

Verdict
A finely crafted Bordeaux-style red that showcases Alto Jahuel’s pedigree. Elegant, complex, and cellar-worthy — Chile at its most refined, with a clear nod to the Old World. 🍷cheers! — 3 months ago

Jere Virtanen

9.3

Football, bloody hell! — a year ago

with Sami

Shun Kikuchi

9.0

Bold and rich. Blueberry, blackberry and plum. Herbaceous and bell pepper at first. A touch of spices. Dry, mid acidity and sweet thick tannin. round and rich body but only ABV 13%. Can drink now and also can age more. — 6 years ago