critic reviews
Bright and vivid blueberry and redcurrant fruit, lifted florality, a wash of grilled vanilla oak and campfire smoke. Around 20% of production goes into this, mainly younger vines plus high Cabernet Sauvignon. Michel Friou winemaker, Manuel Louzada director. A warm, rainy year comparatively (592mm) but falling at good moments, barely over the growing season. 10% new oak for ageing.
The 2024 EPU (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carménère, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot) from Puente Alto, Maipo, was aged for 12 months in French oak, 10% new. The nose opens with fine red cherry and plum, alongside balsamic herbs such as oregano and thyme. Slightly indulgent, the palate is juicy and energetic, with fine-grained tannins and a light grip built around its red-fruited core. Compared with previous vintages, it stands out for its more intense, clearly defined palate.
The 2024 Epu is a beautiful expression of a cool vintage, opening slowly with a classically informed bouquet of sweet tobacco, red pepper, graphite and a ripe black-fruited core, gradually developing floral overtones in the glass. The mouthfeel fuses a sleek, seamless texture with refined sturdiness, carrying through to a poised, layered finish. This admirably conveys the vintage's perfumed, effortless nature, making it a striking introduction to Almaviva. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.