Wine Advisor
Almaviva, Almaviva 2004
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Description
Made from a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates, Almaviva is the result of a felicitous encounter between two cultures. Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vineyards, while France contributes its winemaking savoir-faire and traditions. The result is an exceptionally elegant and complex wine. Its launch was a major milestone in the development of Chilean wines, both in Chile itself and in the international market.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
The style of the 2004 Almaviva seems to go back to the more elegant style. They had some rain during the harvest that might have created some issues. The final blend was 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Carmenere, and they didn't use any Cabernet Franc, perhaps because of some rains in April that could have affected the variety (2000 and 2004 are the only vintages without any Cabernet Franc). The nose shows some developed aromas, spices and a hint of leather, quite classical, with a medium-bodied palate with some grainy tannins that would welcome some food. A little less concentrated and dense than other years.
Reviewed by: Jay S Miller
The 2004 Almaviva is tyled similar to the 2005. The multi-faceted aromatics deliver vanilla, clove, floral notes, red and black currants, and a hint of chocolate. It is a bit more forward than the 2005 with excellent focus and delineation. Give this elegant yet concentrated wine 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it through 2030. Almaviva is a partnership of Bordeaux first-growth Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Concha y Toro. Made in the style of top of the line Pauillac, the blend is typically 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22-23% Carmenere (a very close relative of Merlot), and 4-5% Cabernet Franc. It spends 18 months in new French oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Various importers. Almaviva is sold through the Bordeaux network in the same way as Chateau Mouton-Rothschild.
About the Producer
Almaviva Winery: A Franco-Chilean Legacy of Excellence In 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild—then President of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA—and Don Alfonso Larrain, President of Viña Concha y Toro, forged a historic partnership. This visionary alliance gave birth to Almaviva, an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine that marries the expertise of Bordeaux’s winemaking tradition with the unparalleled terroir of Chile’s Maipo Valley. Inspired by French literature, the estate takes its name from Count Almaviva, the noble protagonist of Beaumarchais’s famed play Le Mariage de Figaro. This choice reflects the wine’s elegance, sophistication, and timeless appeal. Nestled in the prestigious Maipo Valley, Almaviva’s estate spans 50 hectares of meticulously tended vineyards, where classic Bordeaux varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Merlot, and Petit Verdot—thrive in the region’s optimal climate and gravel-rich soils. The estate’s striking château and modern bodega stand as symbols of its commitment to excellence, blending French heritage with Chilean innovation. A pioneer in Chile’s fine wine scene, Almaviva was the first Chilean winery to embrace the French "château" concept, emphasizing estate-grown grapes and meticulous craftsmanship. Today, it stands as a global benchmark for premium Chilean wine, celebrated for its depth, complexity, and distinctive expression of the Maipo Valley’s terroir. With each vintage, Almaviva continues to captivate connoisseurs worldwide, solidifying its place among the great wines of the world.
