Almaviva, Cheval des Andes, Clos Apalta, Seña

Landmarks of New World viticulture. South American wines from some of the best vintages in its history!

“The course of the leading wine-producing countries of South America was set in the second half of the 19th century. It was determined both by the arrival of French varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon especially – and the savoir-faire of European immigrants. Meanwhile winery owners would often travel to Bordeaux to learn from the leading châteaux there.

The early stages of South American viticulture were thus inspired by the grands crus classés, although over time, each country has developed its own formula for its Bordeaux blends. While sticking mainly to Bordeaux varieties  they have also allowed themselves a little creative license.

South America has enjoyed some of the best vintages in its history – especially 2018, 2019 and 2021. In addition, winemakers have applied unprecedented levels of precision in terms of terroir selection, vineyard management, harvest times and oak regime, using much-improved materials, and a range of formats and sizes.  

Thanks to these efforts, many recent Bordeaux blends have proved to be stunning wines destined to become landmarks of New World viticulture. Now is certainly the time to find a place for them in your cellar.”- Alejandro Iglesias, Decanter

2018 Terrazas Cheval des Andes

$87.89/bottle (pre-arrival) Buy Now

98 WA / 98 JS / 98 DE / 96 VM / 95 JA

This is a plush, rich Cheval with blueberry and floral aromas and flavors. HInts of tar and fresh lavender. Full body. The depth and richness are impressive, as are the ripe yet fresh tannins. Very long and structured, yet controlled and in balance. This will be a great wine indeed. Release in September 2021. Drink after 2023. - James Suckling

Product of a joint work between Terrazas de los Andes and Cheval Blanc, Cheval des Andes is a Mendoza blend of 70% Malbec – half from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley and half from Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo – and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in barrels and foudres, the nose presents cherries, plums and black and redcurrant over a bed of cedar and spice. Velvety and harmonious in feel, polished tannins and an elegant finish. Drinking Window 2022 - 2033--Alejandro Iglesias, Decanter

2019 Almaviva

$149.99/bottle (pre-arrival) Buy Now

98 DE / 97 JS / 95 WA
#21 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Chile 2021

Founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha y Toro in Puente Alto, Almaviva excels with its Bordeaux-inflected reds created by Michel Friou. Its 2019 cuveé – 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenere, and the rest made up of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot – enjoyed an extraordinary year resulting in a fragrant nose of dark fruit, lavender, eucalyptus, blackcurrant and cigar box aromas. The refined palate has a fresh core and velvety feel.Drinking Window 2022 - 2034--Alejandro Iglesias, Decanter

2018 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta

$119.98/bottle (pre-arrival) Buy Now

98 JS / 97 DE / 96 WA

#7 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Chile 2021

In 2019 Andrea León achieved superlative results at Clos Apalta with a blend of 64% Carmenere, Cabernet Franc and Merlot aged for 25 months in French barrels. This is a luxurious red with an aromatic profile of liquorice and black and redcurrant over layers of graphite, clove and cinnamon. In the mouth, the breadth and freshness are brought together by the silky texture which flows into an enjoyable finish with refined tannins. Drinking Window 2022 - 2032--Alejandro Iglesias, Decanter

2019 Seña

$129.99/bottle (pre-arrival) Buy Now

98 WA / 98 JS / 97 DE / 96 VM / 96 JA

#9 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Chile 2021

The twenty-fifth vintage of a wine first made in 1995 by the Mondavi and Chadwick families is one of Francisco Baettig’s best editions yet: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and Petit Verdot aged for 22 months in French oak (10% in foudres). The nose offers redcurrant, blackberry, and cherry over a bed of sweet spices, cedar and peppers. Dense core and firm grip, it needs to be decanted or left in the bottle for a while longer. Drinking Window 2022 - 2032 - Alejandro Iglesias, Decanter