2023 Rothschild & Concha Y Toro, Almaviva, Maipo Valley

Rich and heady nose, some bell pepper aromatics with blackcurrant and milk chocolate, black pepper and floral scents. Glossy and thick, lots of flesh and power here with juicy black fruit. Great concentration but refined and focussed. There’s no shortage of power and precision - vertical and layered with mint, aniseed, menthol aspects, minerality and black fruit. Velvety but packing a punch. Give this a good few years but the structure and finesse is there. Classy and captivating - and mouthwateringly moreish. 3% Merlot completes the blend. A joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro. Director Manuel Louzada, winemaker Michel Friou.

The 2023 Blend Almaviva is composed of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Sourced from a warm, dry vintage, this reflects the character of the year, though the winery has managed it with notable finesse. The nose delivers aromas of lavender, violet and blood orange, followed by hints of plum, blackberry and soft spices. Generous and juicy on the palate, this offers enveloping volume, fine-grained tannins and a fresh, sustained finish. Exceptionally well-crafted for the vintage, the 2023 once again secures its place among the top wines of Puente Alto.

Sandalwood, cedar and vanilla kick on the opening aromatics, with fennel, spiced plum, blueberry and salted cracker salinity on the finish, 70% new oak for ageing. Rothschild & Concha Y Toro joint partnership for this Maipo Valley estate, Manuel Louzada director, Michel Friou winemaker. Tasted twice.

The 2023 Almaviva aromatically leads with its Carménère component in this vintage, featuring typical merkén spice notes blended with gravel dust, dried herbs and anise aromas, all set against a bright, red-fruited core. The palate is lush and velvety but supported by a lively, tensile spine, leading to a refined, sturdy finish that emphasizes lush fruit flavors, polished tannins and an oak-derived backdrop. This is a decidedly fruit-driven yet still elegant expression of Almaviva, and its one that will be accessible in its youth as more structured vintages continue to mature in the cellar. This blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot matured for 20 months in 73% new French oak.

74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Dry winter and spring, hot summer. Harvest 15 March to 5 May. Aged for 20 months in French oak, 73% new. Sweeter and denser and more velvety than Epu but not as refreshing. More old school. Ambitious but less fun to drink. Made for the longer term. (JR)