Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Alba de Domus – Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Upper Maipo Valley, Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
A bold and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon (95–100%, often with a tiny fraction of Cabernet Franc depending on the vintage) from the famed Domus Aurea estate in the Upper Maipo Valley. Known for its mountain terroir, this wine shows the classic strength and rustic elegance of Chile’s best Cabernets.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep, complex aromatics of blackberries, black cherries, cassis, and dried figs, laced with espresso, dark chocolate, cedar, and tobacco leaf. A subtle earthy and mineral undertone speaks to its Andean foothill origins.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and texturized, with high intensity and firm structure. Tannins are bold yet polished, while the 15.4% ABV provides warmth and weight without overwhelming balance. The finish is long, layered, and espresso-driven, lingering with dark fruits and spice.

Winemaking Notes
Unfiltered and aged in French oak, this Cabernet is designed for longevity. The 2019 vintage already shows power and depth, but its construction suggests it will evolve beautifully over the next 8–12 years.

Food Pairing
Ideal with robust dishes: grilled ribeye, lamb shank, venison, or earthy stews. Also pairs wonderfully with aged Manchego or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Verdict
Hot, intense, and layered — a true statement Cabernet from the Maipo Valley. Already climbing its prime, yet with enough structure to age gracefully. For lovers of powerhouse reds with espresso and dark chocolate complexity. — 2 months ago

Neal Ferry

9.0

We ordered multiple bottles of this tonight for a group of construction stiffs who usually drink Busch Light. They acted and drank like this was the greatest wine that is on earth. I was perfect with Filets & Jumbo Scallops. I recommend eating at Ziggie & Mad Dog’s in the Keys — 2 years ago

Scott Kahn

9.4

A stunning wine that was enjoyed at a construction site that completely replaced the confusion of the site with a beautiful structure of the wine. Nice floral notes with deep red fruit in support. Still worthy of additional time in the cellar. — 2 years ago

Paul T HB

9.4

64% Cab 30% Merlot 3 % cab franc 3 % Petit Verdot 90 points across the board on release, time heals all wounds!
K&L notes as follows.
Another $45.00 Steal

I often imagine the vine as a family tree, stretching back centuries, in this case, to 1550 or so, when La Louvière acquired its name from the many hungry wolves (louves) that roamed the deep forests of the Graves, well before the construction of the elegant 18th century chateau that adorns the label of this flagship wine. This brief history lesson makes me appreciate even more the imposing qualities of the 2005 La Louvière, a wine with a lot of time on its hands. Firm and taut as a young wolf, with the strong heart to endure and improve for a decade or more, gracefully maturing into a benchmark Pessac-Léognan, stylish and fleshier, more supple and savoury as the willful tannins are further seduced by the dark and persuasive fruit. If you really can't wait, then bite the cork, figuratively, and decant for an hour before enjoying with gently-braised lamb shanks. — 4 years ago

Ron R

8.9

I can’t remember the last time I tasted this brand, and while it’s very approachable, it’s a total construction site. Vanilla and over-sweet brown sugar with resolved tannins. Not my cup-of-tea, but will be enjoyed by others. — 7 months ago

with Andrew and Rick

Anthony James Marr

9.6

Beautiful amarone with silky smooth texture. The 2016 is open and drinking exceptionally well. Lovely dark and dried fruits - 16.5% alcohol but not apparent or perceptible - beautiful construction and value — 2 years ago

Peter C

9.3

Someone pulls this out to celebrate the completion of a hotel; on the roof top bar on a construction site. Great drink, beautiful sunset overlooking the Capitol. Priceless! — 4 years ago

with Paul and Tom

Ron R

9.4

Visited the winery approx. 4 years ago - our fave Italian producer.
While it requires further bottle development, its pedigree is shining. A more traditional presentation which displays olives, spice box and overripe plums. Moderate tannins are tucked in with soft acidity. You’re tasting the terroir and wine making skills here. No “construction” required. Excellent.
Bivio Pizzeria, Montclair. — a year ago

with Anne-marie

Wulf Losee

9.2

2016 opened December 2023. Drying cement on the nose. Really! I bet you never heard that description before! Initially, I couldn’t put a finger on it. The bouquet reminded me of something from my past. It wasn’t tobacco; it wasn’t earthy; it wasn’t leather. Then realized it’s the smell you encounter at a construction site after they pour a cement slab. That brought back memories! Other than fresh lumber drying cement was my favorite smell. 

Cassis on the front. The tannins are sort of watery, but there’s a lot of low menthol notes and high red clay notes which kick in on the mid palate that keep this wine from being boring. It has a long tart mineral finish that makes up for the weak tannic structure on mid palate. The pleasure of its finish outweighs its mundane opening. I’ll give this wine a 9.2 rating. The finish is 9.5. The nose is unique and it kicks off old memories for me, so I’ll give the nose and 9.5. The fruit on the front is OK, and I’ll give that an 8.8. The tannins aren’t very complex, and I’ll give those an 8.8. That averages out to 9.15. I rounded it up to 9.2. — 2 years ago

Ron R

9.4

This is a construction, but we don’t care. A much maligned vintage, but no signs of that here. Kudos Mr Bevan! — 4 years ago

with Anne-marie