Their second wine, the 2021 Epu is from the same terroir and vineyard in Puente Alto as Almaviva but comes from the younger vines, around 12 years on average. In 2021, the blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenere and 5% Merlot (no Cabernet Franc this year). It has a ripe and heady nose, with 14.68% alcohol (15% on the label), mellow acidity and intense notes of red peppers, ripe blackberries and cassis and some spiciness from the oak. It matured for one year in French barriques, only 10% new and 90% second use. It has a little less structure and softer tannins, making it more approachable than previous years, a profile that seems to be the signature of the year. It's medium to full-bodied with velvety, more polished tannins, and it is more delicate and less concentrated, with more finesse. But I find these quite homogeneous and regular, this year with no raisins or dehydrated grapes, and in this vintage, it feels open and expressive. 80,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023.
94+ points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)
Fresh and subtle nose with cassis, lead pencil and some red chili peppers. A hint of lavender and cedar. This is quite supple on the palate with a medium body and silky, soft tannins. Pretty generous and flattering. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 15% carmenere and 5% merlot. Drink now.
94 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Apr 2023)
The 2021 Epu is a Bordeaux blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto in the Metropolitan region. It was aged in barrels for a year. Garnet with a purple sheen. The nuanced nose unfolds over an oak bed with ashes, pepper, cassis, and green pepper notes. Indulgent and rich on the palate, the fine-grained tannins and the juicy and overwhelming mouthfeel lead to an ample and flavorful ripe finish. The Chilean Cab style, powerful and bold, guides this red.
93 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Jun 2023)
Balances elegant details of dried violets and fresh berries in a rather muscular package, with a rich core of blackberry and cassis, offering enough acidity to keep things fresh and lengthen the finish around fine tannins and notes of chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot. Drink now through 2033. 5,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.
92 points, Aaron Romano, Wine Spectator (Feb 2024)
A far more balanced and enticing aromatic frame than the concentrated 2020 vintage, this is an excellent Epu, with pomegranate and redcurrant fruits, laced with white pepper and gentle waves of fresh acidities, along with the more gourmet notes of vanilla bean and sandalwood that are signature to this wine. Sappy, easy to love, and the tannins have a sleek quality that shows confidence. Winemaker Michel Friou.
92 points, Jane Anson (Aug 2023)
Top Quality Store
