2019 DOMUS AUREA MAIPO VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON "Domus is a selection of the oldest cabernet vineyards that the Peña family has in the Macul area, on the outskirts of Santiago, planted in 1970, at an altitude of 680 meters, at the foot of the Andes. The wine was aged for about 18 months in barrels, 60% new, and then in bottles for another year and a half before being released to market. Consistent with a warm year, this version is a high-alcohol wine (14.9º) with ripe flavors that are exuberantly displayed on the palate. It has earthy and mentholated touches, but what dominates here are those sweet, ripe black-fruit flavors of a Domus that's especially fat and ample. It needs at least five years in the bottle. This year it has an unprecedented 12% petit verdot which, according to winemaker Jean Pascale Lacaze, gave excellent results this season." 96 Points "2019 was warmer and especially drier than 2018, and the 2019 Domus Aurea, produced with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, hits the scale at 15.5% alcohol and retained 3.69 grams of unfermented sugar. The grapes underwent a five-day cold soak and fermented in stainless steel, and the wine went through full malolactic in new oak barrels (the best lots) and stainless steel and matured in 225-liter French oak barrels, 80% of them new, for 20 months. It has the textbook notes of mint and eucalyptus, intermixed with exotic spices (cola nut and Jamaica pepper), quite aromatic, with notes of crème de cassis and good ripeness. It has the Domus character from the mountains and the stones with that dry sensation and austere palate....bottled in March 2021." 95 Points "Aromatically engaging, with eucalyptus and briny olive notes paving the way, while river mint nuances dance around a rich core of blackberry and cassis. Lengthens out nicely midpalate, with iron-tinged minerality, singed orange peel and cocoa notes arriving on the finish around thick but well-integrated tannins. Distinctive for its savory qualities, but will have fans. Drink now through 2035." 94 Points "Aniseed, cumin and black fruit aromas are found in the glass of this aromatic red. On the palate, it's smooth, balanced, and flavorful. It displays intense notes of blackberry and plum, with hints of spices. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity provide a good structure. The finish is long and delicious." 94 Points