South America’s First Growth: The 100 pt. 2017 Almaviva
Posted on: 09/6/19 7:25 PM
Almaviva is a collaboration between Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Founded in 1997, the idea was to create a Chilean Grand Cru Classé. To say that they have achieved their goal is an understatement. The wine has achieved a level of global recognition as not just a Chilean First Growth, but one of the world’s great Cabernet blends.
With 60 hA in Maipo Valley’s Puente Alta, the highest point in the valley, the alluvial soils are ideal for the traditional Bordeaux grapes, with a strong core of Cabernet Sauvignon but also supporting vines of Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aged in 75% new oak barrels, the wine has a lush, sultry feel that still retains its sense of place and a real identity that has been fascinating to follow over the past few years.
The critics, too, have taken notice. With monster scores for the 2015 (100 pts. from James Suckling and his wine of the year last year) and equally strong performances in 2016, Almaviva has moved to the next level. This is a serious wine you should be collecting every year.
2017 Almaviva Proprietary Red
100 pts.: “The aromas of blackberry leaves and iodine are wild and exotic here with mussel shells and earth underneath. Full-bodied, tight and chewy with powerful tannins that show muscle. It’s structured and powerful. Dense and very, very deep. Don’t touch this until 2025.” – James Suckling
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