My Article: Almaviva 2012

One of Chile’s greatest wines, the 2012 Almaviva Puente Alto, was released yesterday in Bordeaux following the sales of such international labels as the 2011 Opus One, 2011 Marchesi Antinori Solaia and 2011 Masseto.  These reds are some of the few that are sold in the open market of Bordeaux each year like the great names of the region, from Château Latour to Château Angelus.

The 2012 Almaviva compares extremely favorably to the last two releases from the estate, which is owned by France’s Rothschild family (Mouton-Rothschild) and Chile’s Concha y Toro. The single vineyard wine is located about 30 minutes from the center of Santiago and is one best areas to grow cabernet sauvignon in all of the Americas.

Apparently, the 2012 Almaviva was one of the favorite vintages of the late Philippine de Rothschild, who was the head of Mouton and died late August. Please read my tribute to this amazing woman if you haven’t.

I like the 2012 Almaviva that shows so much dusty character that reminds me of walking through the vineyards of the estate earlier this year. The loam soils are unique and give the red a loamy and rich character. It’s a blend of 65 percent cabernet sauvignon, 24 percent carménére, eight percent cabernet franc, two percent petit verdot and one percent merlot.

Please check out the tasting note here if you are a subscriber.