The 2010 Almaviva is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend complemented with Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, and for the first time in 2010, a small quantity of Petit Verdot. 2010 was a cool vintage, giving the wine an herbaceous character with good freshness and balance. It is still young with some lactic notes and some aromas derived from the elevage (roasted coffee and dark chocolate), with terse black fruit and some beef blood overtones. This vintage seems to be a worthy follower of the 2005, with sweet round tannins, intense flavors, very good balance and the stuffing to live a long life in bottle.
James Suckling (94)
A svelte red, with excellent focus and length to the powerful dark plum, slate, dark currant and dried blackberry flavors. The black olive notes grow in intensity and join bittersweet chocolate accents on the long, well-framed finish.
