Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Almaviva – Red Blend – 2022
Puente Alto – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
A “pure evil” expression of ultra-fine winemaking produced by the collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro. The 2022 Almaviva blends precision and power from Chile’s premier terroir in Puente Alto.
Varietal Composition: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenère, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 

Aromas & Flavors
Cassis, blackberry liqueur, violets, graphite, cedar spice, and a touch of mocha, all densely packed but beautifully lifted.

Mouthfeel
Velvety, deep, and resolute. Superb tannin refinement with a long, elegant finish that balances richness with precision.

Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, lamb chops, charred mushrooms, or a luxurious truffle risotto.

Verdict
Expressive, beautiful, and undeniably classy. A solid, velvety powerhouse that is enjoyable now or will age with grace.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
The finest expression I’ve tasted from Chile’s greatest terroir, Puente Alto, with roared potential and impeccable balance. — 10 days ago

James K

9.3

Impressed this held up for so long. Has zero hope or expectations when our neighbor brought it over. — 4 months ago

Monique Gillioen

9.0

€60 in de club. Entry wijn van de Rothschild — 9 months ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.6

Had this vintage almost a year ago and was highly impressed...something that remains the same. Complex, nuanced and refined. Great wine — 4 days ago

Neal Krishna Devaraj

9.3

Excellent juicy grapes and plums — 20 days ago

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

10

These both opened up in stages, drank them side by side and at first the opus was better. Then mouton opened up and was a big presence in the room — 6 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Light silvery/gold color. Fresh aromas of citrus and tropical fruits with hints of white flowers. Bold citrus fruit flavors dominate the palate with additional notes of mango and fresh herbs. Mineral driven finish is a bit short but very crisp. Nicely balanced acidity and alcohol and high intensity. Refreshing! — a year ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Dark ruby color. Ripe black fruit aromas with noticeable green pepper and ground coffee. Flavors of black plums/cherry/berry fruit and freshly made coffee with a spicy/peppery long finish. Plush texture and heft. Reasonably well balanced as there is noticeable acidity. A powerhouse! Thanks for sharing, Kurt E. — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Opus One 2011
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A Bordeaux-style blend from one of Napa’s most iconic estates, co-founded by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The 2011 vintage was a challenging, cool year in Napa, producing wines of lower alcohol, more restraint, and higher acidity compared to the opulent, sun-soaked vintages before and after. Blend typically centers on Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with blackcurrant, cassis, and dried cherry layered with graphite, violets, tobacco leaf, and hints of cedar and espresso. As it evolves in the glass, notes of leather, savory herbs, and cocoa powder emerge.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied compared to more powerful Opus vintages, with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins. Elegant and balanced, showing more finesse and structure than richness. The finish lingers with red and black fruits, spice, and a touch of earth.

Winemaking Notes
Aged in French oak for 18 months. The cooler season resulted in smaller yields, but a style closer to classic Bordeaux restraint rather than plush Napa ripeness.

Food Pairing
Beautiful with herb-crusted lamb, grilled duck breast, wild mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses like Comté.

Verdict
A vintage that divided critics due to its lighter profile, but for those who enjoy elegance and classical structure, the 2011 Opus One is a refreshing outlier. Drink now, though it still has a few years of graceful life ahead. Cheers!
— 3 months ago

sasha

9.0

NS 11. Tart and acidic the first night, softer like a caramel apple the second night — a year ago