I should start this note with the preface that my experience thus far with Chilean wines has yielded rather disappointing results, never having found one I would purchase a second time (event the highly acclaimed 2001 Don Melchor I found vegetal and utterly undrinkable).

This said, I am pleased to say the 2003 Almaviva is the by far the best wine from Chile I have ever tasted. The color is an impenetrable dark purple, turning bright electric ruby at the edge. Striking on the nose, the wine is immediately shocking in its mix of new world power and density with old world aromas. Graphite, pencil lead, and minerals lead into deep cassis, blackberry, and plum aromas. There's a good deal of oak there as well at this stage, but I suspect it will integrate with time. On the palate the wine presents itself as quite young (duh!), with a firmly tannic grip balanced by bright acidity, and with a really nice perfume leading to the long tannic finish. Very primary now, this wine needs sleep, but should develop into something terrific as the tannins and oak integrate. 94+ points, drink 2011-2020.

What is the varietal?

It is a Bordeaux-style blend - with Cabernet, Merlot being the dominant varietals. I also think there's a bit of Carmenere in there.

The estate is in the Mouton Rothschild family of wineries.

Actually, according to Wine Spec., no Merlot: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc.

Oops, thanks for the correction.