2022 Vina Almaviva EPU, Puente Alto, Chile

(96 Points) The 2022 Almaviva leads with a brooding, woody nose with savory, roasted pepper aromas and pleasing top notes of lavender and dried herbs. The palate is dense, luscious and staining, with considerable concentration and opulence. The finish continues this lush, layered opulence, concluding with supple, firm, unyielding tannins, welcomely braced with fresh acidity and herbal, methol-tinged flourishes. Despite its immediate richness, this is quite wound up, and it will take a few years to integrate its formidable tannins further. But it should be a joy to watch develop over the coming decade and beyond. It's a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carménère, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. (ML)