2015 Almaviva
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2015 Almaviva wears the heat of the vintage on its sleeve, leading with a warm, pointed nose of candied red fruits, dark spices, raspberry liqueur and toasted oak. The palate is opulent and concentrated, finishing with sweet, luscious fruits and a bit of alcoholic heat framed by drying tannins. While it is by no means over the top, it comes off a bit monotone compared to more nuanced harvests like 2010 and 2016 or more recent vintages in which the style at Almaviva underwent substantial refinement. I have trouble imagining this substantially improving in the cellar and feel it is best consumed in the near future.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 24% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot from Puente Alto, Maipo, aged for 18 months in barrels and clay vats due to the hot year. The usual local black currant flavors are present, along with maraschino cherry. Complex, with clear influence from the oak, this is an alcoholic wine with a firm structure and taut feel. A serious-minded balance between freshness and flavor allows it to breathe pleasantly.
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Tremendous richness and plushness to this. Excellent fruit intensity, which isn't just generic black fruit but has nuance and detail. Far more satisfying than plenty of Bordeaux 2015s! (RH)
A glorious and complex nose of tobacco, blackberries and hints of stones and flowers. Hints of bitter chocolate. Full-bodied, very tight and compacted. Linear backbone gives this form and tension. It has the same character on the palate as well as cayenne and other spice. Loved the 2014 but this shows more fine-grained tannins. So balanced and harmonious. A blend of 69% cabernet sauvignon, 24% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Needs four or five years in bottle but a joy to taste now. May 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
About the producer
Almaviva is a collaboration between two giants in the world of wine – Bordeaux’s Ch. Mouton Rothschild and Concha y Toro.