Viña Carmen marks a new milestone with its highest-ever scores in Vinous reports

From the Maipo Valley to Itata, Maule and Apalta, its iconic portfolio of wines has been acclaimed for expressing the richness and diversity of Chilean wine with elegance, precision and a distinctly contemporary perspective.

In the latest report from prestigious wine publication Vinous, “Chile: A Recalibration in the Heartlands of Maipo,” authored by editor and wine critic Joaquín Hidalgo, Viña Carmen achieved its highest-ever scores from the publication, further affirming its position at the forefront of Chilean winemaking and its commitment to crafting wines of character, diversity and a profound connection to the country’s viticultural heritage.

The high-end Carmen Legacy collection, led by winemaker Ana María Cumsille, stood out for its ability to convey the essence of some of Chile’s most distinguished terroirs. With 96 points, Carmen Gold 2023, the winery’s flagship wine, offered a slightly leaner and more agile feel of Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, described as “particularly well judged for a warm, dry vintage, with les indulgence and more energy.”

The Carmen D.O range followed, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Born from the winery’s partnership with small-scale Chilean growers who safeguard the heritage and character of their land, the collection gives rise to limited-production wines that capture the identity, people, traditions and winemaking heritage of each territory.

From the Apalta Valley, the Semillón crafted under flor, Carmen D.O Florillón #8, received 95 points and was praised by Hidalgo as “the best Florillón to date.” The same score was awarded to Carmen D.O Matorral Chileno 2024, a red blend of Garnacha, Carignan and País from the Maule Valley, described as “attractive and well-defined (…), with a Mediterranean flavor profile.”

Carmen D.O Loma Seca 2024, meanwhile, earned 94 points and was recognized as a lighter and fresher expression of Cinsault from the Itata Valley, while Carmen D.O Quijada 2022, a Semillón from Apalta, received 93 points and was noted for displaying “more complexity than in previous vintages.”

Also with 93 points, Carmen Vigno 2024, crafted from Carignan grown in Melozal, was described as a wine that “leans slightly away from the norm, expressing a more inland profile om the Maule Valley.”

Under the winemaking direction of Pablo Prieto, the winery’s longstanding Ultra Premium collection, Carmen Gran Reserva, distinguished by its consistency, authenticity and strong sense of place, achieved historic scores as well.

Among these accolades, the 2024 vintage of Carmenère received 93 points. “This is a more delicate interpretation of Apalta and the house style, as well as an interesting take on Chilean Carmenère,” noted the critic.

The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc and 2025 Chardonnay each earned 92 points, with the former distinguished by its fresh and vibrant character, while the latter was described as creamier, balanced and “very appealing.” The Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 received the same score, praised as a “lighter-structured Cabernet but with greater aromatic expresión,” as did the Petite Sirah 2025, described as “a rarity, well calibrated and balanced” red.

These accolades embody the distinctive style that has shaped Viña Carmen for more than 175 years: elegance, character and an unwavering commitment to quality, sustained through a spirit of continuous innovation, a forward-looking vision and an enduring openness to reinvention.