Cueva de las Manos Reserve Malbec 2009
-
Robert
Parker
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
100% Malbec aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. Copious aromas of chocolate, blueberries, blackberries, tar, and spice box jump from the glass of this inky/ruby/purple-tinged wine. Ripe, succulent, and loaded with fruit with silky tannins and a long finish, it will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next 2-3 years, this is a heck-of-a bargain.
Cueva de las Manos is produced at a state-of-the-art winery, built with the purpose of achieving outstanding quality. The estate spreads over 300 ha (741 acres) in Agrelo and Lujàn de Cuyo, 34 km south of the city of Mendoza, at 950 meters above sea level. The winemaking process is focused on treating the grapes with great care and with strict control of every stage. People at the winery believe the Andean vision encompasses a deep understanding of this unique region, that shares thousands of miles of a common landscape, one culture and a special relationship with nature, creating the context for a common identity of Argentinean viticulture.
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.