Almaviva 2017

Almaviva, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha Y Toro, Puente Alto. Maipo Valley, Chile 2017

Grapes: A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot with 18 Months in new French oak.

"The growing season was marked by atypical climatic conditions. Although the total rainfall (315 mm) was normal between April 2016 and April 2017, most of the natural hydric resources were derived from unusually early rains between April and July 2016 (249 mm). Little to no rain was then registered from August 2016 to April 2017. Average temperatures were also significantly high, registering 1–2.5 °C above average from August 2016 until harvest, with temperatures reaching up to 36 °C in November and January. These extremely dry and warm conditions generated a very early vintage. All phenological stages occurred two to three weeks earlier than usual, including the harvest. Severe drought and heat contributed to dramatically low yields. Yet despite these extremes, the vintage resulted in superb quality of fruit, with small berries of great concentration and acidity. Harvest 9 March to 27 April.Dark smudgy garnet. Very obviously New World on the nose – less subtle than many of the wines I have been tasting. Big, bold, sweet and a bit over the top. There’s even a bit of heat, and diffusion, on the slightly tarry finish." 

16/20 points, Jancis Robinson  

Also rated 98/100 points, Tim Atkin; 94/100 points, Antonio Galloni (Vinous); 96/100 points, CellarTracker