Domus Aurea, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 I have loved every vintage of this wine that I’ve ever tasted, and though that’s quite an inclusive set, this may be the best of them all.  It is exceptional in its purity and classiness, and its fine-ness of texture is something to marvel at, as is the harmoniousness of all its aromatic and flavor elements.  It isn’t as flamboyant and un-tamed as the 2014, which is a spectacular example of Maipo Valley Cab that’s all about minty, cedar-y fireworks, but this 2018 shows those same notes in a toned-down manner that lets other nuances show themselves to compose a more intricate overall impression.  Don’t get me wrong on account of descriptors referencing intricacy and nuance, as there’s plenty of sneaky power in this wine, as shown from the outset by its appearance:  It is darkly pigmented to the very edge of a tipped glass, and shows excellent density and palate weight.  Yet there’s nothing “heavy” or overblown about the wine at all, and even at this early stage in its development, it is a model of natural-seeming, un-manipulated completeness and beauty.  Sure, you should get superb wine for $75, which is no small fee.  But to be clear, this is a great wine, and certainly among the best five I’ve tasted in 2022 — out of more than 3,000.