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. — a month ago

Angelo Casagrande

8.9

Soft, fairly light wine with mild tannins. Lot of cherry, bit of tobacco and licorice; didn’t find it all that fragrant, but it is a good value. Would go with a wide range of foods. — 4 months 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

Joe Flo

9.6

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

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.3

Hi everyone! This is lovely (rare descriptor for me). Medium red brick color, medium plus body, medium plus alcohol but subtle. Nice acidity, and tannins make this absolutely drinkable right now-- 8/26/25 my 58th birthday, forgot to give everyone my new Miami address for bottled gifts 😜 . Certainly floral notes on both the nose and palate, but not rose, some cedar overtones, with an enjoyable minerality. It's lovely because it all comes together like a beautiful gift basket (pun not intended) that would impress a royal lady, but stand up proud for a gentleman. It will improve, but you don't have to let it!

93+ points — 4 months ago

Craig Matthews

9.3

Dry, light, earthy. Quite nice. — 5 months ago

Chip Habegger

9.1

Nearly 8 years old and the acidity is still off the charts. Love it. Little smoky note on the nose and rocky notes at the end—so volcano. Lots of cherry with a bit of raspberry zip in the middle. Moderate-minus tannins. Wish it lingered longer. — 4 months ago

Joe Fischer

9.0

Great with our Mussels and Chorizo cooked in Cava. Lemon color with apple, floral, and yeast aromas. Crisp with a bit of lemon. Really nice at this price point. — 4 months ago

Carter White

9.1

Super dry, orchard and citrus, floral and mineral notes, lively. — 4 months ago

Pooneet K

8.9

I generally like canary island reds ie listan negro quite a bit. This one veered a bit too austere for me. Some nice refined dark fruit and a lot of peppery herbs. Mouthfeel and finish are slightly thin, but the acid is certainly there and this still feels complete and well made. Just not quite giving enough. — 5 months ago