Scores

98/100

According to winemaker Michel Friou, the key to the great 2018 vintage was how evenly it ripened in a year that was rather cool—or at least far from the heat of 2017—especially from veraison (when the grapes begin to turn color) to the time it reached ripeness, when the weather has a radical importance on the character of the wine. There was less heat, except for a spike in temperatures in late March. This year’s blend is 72% cabernet sauvignon from vines mostly planted in 1978, plus 19% carmenere from the Peumo zone, 6% cabernet franc, and 3% petit verdot. What’s surprising about this vintage is the quality of the tannins, how polished they are, and the way they glide across the palate, showing a creaminess that may be similar to the 2015, although that vintage didn’t have the succulent density of this 2018. There are generous fruit flavors here and acidity that’s in its place, without surrendering even a millimeter, so none of that freshness is lost. The finish has an herbal side that speaks of carmenere. One of the best Almavivas we at Descorchados have ever tasted.

Patricio Tapia