La Place de Bordeaux Autumn Offers: 2021 Almaviva (98 pts JS)
The latest release from the Place de Bordeaux is 2021 Almaviva, a New World 'First Growth' and Chile's answer to Opus One. At just £744 per six in bond and scoring 96-98 points, this makes for an attractive alternative to the Bordeaux First Growths, for both investment and drinking.
An ambitious partnership between Philippine de Rothschild of Château Mouton-Rothschild and Concha Y Toro, Almaviva was established in 1997, with vines in the 'Puente Alto' vineyard, in the highest part of the Maipo Valley. Named after a philandering French Count in "The Marriage Of Figaro", it's a Bordeaux blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Winemaker Michel Friou has been in charge here since 2007 and the style of the wine intentionally reflects that of both Mouton-Rothschild and Opus One (Patrick Leon of Mouton, who initiated the Almaviva blend, consulted at both properties until his death two years ago). In a cool, precise and elegant style, the '21 vintage receives wide praise from Vinous.com, The Wine Advocate and Jamessuckling.com, the latter scoring it 98 points.
Almaviva's second wine is named 'Epu' and is great value at just £192 per six. The name means 'Two' in the indigenous Mapuche language. Also from the Puente Alto vineyard, but from younger vines, The Wine Advocate scores it highly, with 94+ points. This would make a great and affordable introduction to top-tier Chilean winemaking.
Availability is extremely limited, so please let us know straight away if you would like to order.
Offered en primeur, available spring 2024.
