Wine Advisor
Almaviva, Almaviva 2009
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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
The 2009 Almaviva is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carmenere, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot and likewise, aged in new French oak for 18 months. It has impressive clarity on the nose with blackberry, briary and espresso aromas that are well defined, but not as intense as previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a powdery texture and crisp blackberry laced with espresso towards the firm, quite masculine, dry finish. It will need three of four years to coalesce and mellow. Drink 2015-2025. 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
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
2009 was a warm, early and ripe vintage with high yields and bigger bunches, and that's reflected in the 2009 Almaviva, which shows more austere and undeveloped than the 2005 I tasted next to it. It combines power and concentration with elegance and has a little more extraction and plenty of powdery, dusty tannins. It's not the most concentrated vintage; it seems more on the elegant side.
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.
