Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Almaviva (EPU) – Blend – 2022
Puente Alto – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
The second wine from the Franco-Chilean partnership at Almaviva. The 2022 EPU is cabernet-dominated yet crafted for approachability. The blend reads approx. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carménère, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 
It delivers a more accessible expression compared to the flagship Almaviva, with plenty of power and Chilean terroir signature.

Aromas & Flavors
Cassis and blackberry liqueur wrapped with violets, graphite, cedar spice and a touch of mocha. The ripeness stands out, yet the freshness and terroir voice anchor it.

Mouthfeel
Deep and plush, yet polished. Velvety tannins and a full core of dark fruit make it substantial , but it remains more approachable than the top-tier bottling. Strong finish with good momentum.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, aged lamb chops, porcini risotto with truffle, or char-grilled vegetables with smoked paprika.

Verdict
An expressive, polished, and beautifully balanced blend. While it leans toward powerhouse, the finesse, lift and Chilean elegance make it stand out. A top pick in its category.

Did You Know?
“EPU” means “two” in Mapuche (indigenous Chilean language) and represents Almaviva’s second label, crafted from the same estate terroir as the flagship bottling. — 5 days ago

Neal Ferry

9.0

A taster from Rob Matthew’s, Anchor Distributing…. Solid, I say neutral flavors others say Oak…. If you can find it buy it — 3 years ago

Elizabeth Gardner

8.9

Smells sweet caramel like a bourbon, tastes spicy like a rye — 6 years ago

Ming L

9.3

CvNE’s Grand Reserva and the Imperial Reserva are two of my go-to Rioja.

Aromas of dried cherry, tobacco, and leather mingle with ripe plum, vanilla, and subtle toast. On the palate, it shows both savory depth and sleek fruit purity, framed by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Earthy spice and mineral tones anchor its Old World core, while polished oak and plush fruit nod to New World opulence.

This bottle has matured gracefully and will have another 5 years peak drinking window. — 2 months ago

Jon Ebsworth

9.1

Luscious Melon at The Anchor and Hope — 3 years ago

Greg Roberts

9.0

Enjoyed this wine. Really intense flavour. Nit fully balanced but still enjoyable. Would buy again. — 6 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.3

Nose of pine nuts and resin with a hint of pipe tobacco. Almost smells like an Anchor Christmas ale after it has aged 3 years. The entry was quite a bit more sweet than I expected. Tobacco and dates with a plum and spice. Finishes slightly stiff but not a bad thing here as I think I prefer these on this side of the hill before they get more raucous. 20+ years ahead. — 6 years ago

with Dan, Weston and 1 other

Richard Adams

9.4

Very good, not 100 pointer like some scores on release. Love the Napa ‘12s now and cant beat @bell&anchor. — 2 months ago

with Ksenia

Miles Cunningham

9.5

Raspberry/chocolate truffle nose. Dark, full bodied, tannic, sophisticated, with persisting chocolate and spice reminiscent of nutmeg. Long, dry, ripe fruit finish. Delicious. — 3 years ago

Ben Edwards

9.0

Medium, fruit-forward, a little soil and tannin to anchor it. Plenty of potential and see why the elder brethren are popular. The Rosso is a superb pizza wine and a bit more. Probably should wait for under $20. — 6 years ago