In mid-April, renowned wine critic James Suckling tasted the new vintages of Arboleda as part of an exclusive weekly report focused on great wines from some of the most important wine appellations: “We rated more than 800 wines for this report, with many areas covered, from New York’s Finger Lakes to many of the top appellations of Chile (…) Great modern icon wines always seem to be of exceptional quality, regardless of their origins.” 

The following are the wines included in the report entitled Opus One Icons and setting the Gold Standard in Tuscany and Chile, Weekly Tasting Report:  

Arboleda Chardonnay 2021, 94 points: “A fresh, cool and flavorful Chardonnay, showing chalky green fruit, stones, guava, sliced green apples, subtle, fine lees and sour cream. This is a fresh, medium-to-full bodied and ample expression of the variety, with impressive substance on the center-palate, yet rendered in a very nimble and elegant way. A fine and cooler expression of Chardonnay from Chile with some subtle creaminess in the end. Delicious now, so why wait?” 

Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, 92 points: “Attractive, ripe black fruit with some baked dark plums, black olives, blackcurrants, cumin and licorice on the nose. Hints of red chili and mint, too. This is a full-bodied Cabernet, imbued with plenty of fine-grained tannins. Tight, but very juicy at the same time.” 

Arboleda Carmenere 2020, 92 points: “Such an attractive, spicy nose with white pepper, cumin, some black olives and blackcurrants. Some dried herbs, too. This is juicy and tight, but quite polished and bright. Sustainable. Delicious and drink now.” 

Arboleda Pinot Noir 2021, 92 points: “A pretty, medium-bodied Pinot, displaying rich but fresh raspberries and strawberries on the nose, together with some pomegranate and spice. Crunchy and bright with an agile, smooth palate. Flavorful, but it remains elegant. Drink now. “ 

Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2021, 92 points: “Really fresh and zingy with bright lemon citrus, chalk and wet stones. A medium-bodied, transparent Sauvignon with a taut palate. Dry and almost slightly austere. Drink now.” 

Arboleda Syrah 2020, 92 points. “Focused and mineral, with fresh but deep blueberries, ink, dried meat and some white pepper. A full-bodied Syrah with dense tannins and nice, austere dryness to the fruit.” 

• Back to News