Alba de Domus by Domus Aurea, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 This is one of the world’s most deliciously distinctive renditions of Cabernet Sauvignon (which is saying a lot, as Cabernet is planted virtually everywhere in the world where the climate enables vintners to ripen this supremely noble variety).  On top of that, it isn’t even the producer’s top wine, but rather a “second wine” of some vineyard plots and barrels selected out of Domus Aurea, the “Grand Vin” from this amazing property, known fully as “Viña Quebrada de Macul.”  This wine is the most unbridled and unadulterated expression of classic Upper Maipo Cab that remains in existence, with all the eucalyptus and cedar and salty minerality evident in this bottling, as some of the more “outlandish” plots and barrels are pulled into this, especially in recent years as Domus Aurea is made a little less outlandish to show its greatness alongside more famous wines like Don Melchior from Concha y Toro (that cost much more but are no better on average).  The 2018 vintage is fabulous, with really only medium-plus body and weight but overwhelming aromatic and flavor complexity.  Every sniff and sip brings forth additional detail, and all of them are eerily proportional and harmonious despite the wine’s extraordinary intricacy.  This vintage is just arriving in the country, but once it becomes available, you’ll be able to acquire it directly from GVI Wines if you’re in a direct shipping state.  I’ve scored it conservatively because it is such a personal favorite, though I’m aware that not everyone will be equally enthusiastic (which is the natural result when a wine is overloaded with site-specific individuality).  Let us all pray that the owners never sell this site to a condo developer; it is virtually surrounded as things stand, and an urban viticultural miracle.