Casarena Lauren's Vineyard Malbec 2011
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Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator -
James
Suckling
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Malbec Lauren’s Vineyard is sourced from a 30-year-old vineyard in Agrelo at 900 meters altitude. The grapes fermented in 500-liter oak barrels with natural yeasts and full malolactic in barrel where the wine aged for some 18 months. It is fragrant and exuberant, with heady notes of violets and blueberries, perfumed and hinting at even some Muscat aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and polished, with ultra-fine tannins, good acidity, freshness and floral notes and a long, supple finish. It is tasty and juicy. A wonderful Malbec, bigger than it seems! Only 6,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2014-2020.
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Wine Spectator
A rich, suave red, with a deep well of raspberry preserves, blueberry tart and wild plum flavors that are accented by floral and spicy notes. Explosively fruity midpalate, offering a refined finish filled with spice and cream details. Drink now through 2020.
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James Suckling
Subtle aromas of blackberries and blueberries with hints of dried cherries follow through to a full body, with integrated tannins and a bright acidity. Just the right amount of toasted oak to give the red more depth.
Other Vintages
2012-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
Casarena is forging a different path from the other wineries in Mendoza. Instead of searching for undiscovered terroirs in new places like the Uco Valley, it is discovering the hidden gems in its home region of Lujan de Cuyo—a place full of rich tradition, potential, and unique micro-terroirs. Casarena has purchased as well as planted vineyards in several distinctive sites, and they control all aspects of winegrowing and winemaking in order to maximize the flavor expression of these terroirs.
The name “Casarena” is a creative merging of the Spanish words “casa” (house) and “arena” (sand), and is a tribute to their restored 1930s winery made of sand-colored stone and the sandy soil that their estate is built on. All theses features gather together unbeatable height, climate and soil conditions to cultivate premium vineyards. The Wine Making team is headed by Michel Rolland.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.