2005 - Almaviva, Rothschild/Concha Y Toro

"The 2005 Almaviva continues the string of successes for this collaborative effort between Concha y Toro and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. In this vintage, the wine is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Carmenere, and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months before bottling without fining or filtration. Purple-colored, it offers an expressive bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, tobacco, black currants, and blackberry. This leads to an elegantly styled wine with layers of sweet fruit, succulent, spicy, black fruit flavors, and superb depth and concentration. It has enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years and will be at its best from 2015 to 2030."

"This is very packed, with a great core of black currant, braised fig and licorice notes backed by mouthwatering briar and tobacco. Lots of sage, loam and roasted cedar is integrated nicely on the powerful finish. Starting to hit its stride. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmen_re and Cabernet Franc.--Non-blind Vi_a Almaviva vertical (January 2011). Drink now through 2018. 10,000 cases made. _JM"