The 2016 harvest was complicated by rain in late April, which made them hurry up and finish two weeks earlier than normal. The year was also cooler, and the 2016 Almaviva, a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carmenère, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot has less alcohol at 13.9% compared to 15% in 2014. The élevage was shortened to 16 months, and they decreased the percentage of new French barrels used—down to 77% from the 82% in the previous year. The wine is fresher and less marked by the oak, a more fluid version, with fine tannins. This is a little different, a lighter and fresher year. It was a very dry winter, complicated by rains. I found very good harmony and fine tannins, balance and freshness in one of the most elegant vintages I remember from Almaviva. This has contained power, very accessible tannins and no green notes at all. It's young but accessible and should develop nicely in bottle, as it has the balance and freshness. This is an elegant and fresh vintage for Almaviva, young and tender, taking advantage of the natural conditions for it. Well done! 180,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2017. - The Wine Advocate, Luis Gutiérrez, September 2018

The 2016 Almaviva is drinking beautifully and will appeal to readers seeking a more understated, earth-centered wine with notably less oak influence than many vintages leading up to it. The El Niño conditions of the harvest are apparent on the nose, with a damp, foresty quality and present but pleasing herbal notes that eventually take center stage with aeration. The palate is soft and elegant, concluding with powdery tannins and soft but persistent acidity. A lovely mix of sumptuous and understated, this is squarely in its secondary phase and is best enjoyed within the next five years.

The most evolved colour wise of this line up – mahogany already. Spearmint and earthiness on the nose and a powerful concentration of flavours on the palate. The fruit is perhaps overripe, though while raisined it retains a freshness and a certain elegance.

Ruby with some evolution at the rim. Well rounded and rich with excellent balance. Riper and broader than a Bordeaux and with no suggestion of green. Good balance, refreshing, and ready to broach already. (JR)