1996 Almaviva

The partnership of Philippine de Rothschild of Mouton-Rothschild and Concho y Toro produced this exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine (there is also Merlot and Cabernet Franc in the blend), which takes its name from a character in The Marriage of Figaro. With wine making assistance from Mouton's team of experts, this estate has produced a saturated ruby/purple-colored wine with elegant, complex notes of cassis, pain grille, cedar, and tobacco. Soft, rich, and multidimensional, this full-bodied wine possesses exquisite complexity and a layered texture with no hard edges. Drinkable already, it promises to improve for 7-8 years, and last for 12 or more. This wine is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 1. This wine may appear expensive vis a vis the run of the mill juice coming out of Chile, but in today's marketplace, this effort is sensibly priced. Serious wine tasters should give it a try. Apr 1999, www.robertparker.com