Wine Advisor
Almaviva, Almaviva 2008
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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: Neal Martin
This is a classy affair. The nose is very pure with blackcurrant, ripe black plums and a generous dose of creamy new oak that is seamlessly integrated. If anything, that would be my caveat on the palate as the wine currently says more about the winemaking technique than developing a personality. Maybe that will come eventually? For now, sit back and enjoy the velvety smooth tannins and cashmere finish. Drink 2013-2020. Tasted March 2011.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2008 Almaviva, a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Carmenere and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in new French oak for 18 months, has a Bordeaux-like bouquet with crisp blackberry, graphite and mint aromas that are well defined. The palate has a smooth, supple entry and is more rounded and harmonious than the 2009, with a pure, pastille-like finish that perhaps does not possess the complexity or “meatiness” of the succeeding vintage. Nevertheless, this is a fine Almaviva. Drink 2013-2020. The collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Vina Concha y Toro caused waves back in the late 1990s, a token of recognition for the progress of Chilean wines from one of Bordeaux’s grandees. Since the debut in 1998 it has achieved acclaim from around the world. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estates, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 299-2600
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.
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