Michel Rolland Val de Flores Malbec 2007
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2007 Val de Flores Malbec was sourced from vines over 50 years of age and aged in French oak for 14 months. It is a glass-coating opaque purple color with an expressive bouquet of balsam wood, Asian spices, incense, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry. Full-bodied and mouth-coating, this intensely flavored, impeccably balanced Malbec has the stuffing to evolve for several more years and will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2022.
Michel has had a love affair with the Napa Valley for decades and has made wine with the likes of Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Sloan, Dalla Valle, Quintessa and the list goes on. MR is Michel’s first brand from Napa and he asked Jean Hoefliger to be his winemaker. They work together on the final blending.
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.