Pulenta Estate Malbec 2016
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Suckling
James -
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a linear and tight malbec with blackberry and blueberry character. Full-bodied, dense and focused. So condensed and structured yet bright and long. Drink now, but this will age beautifully.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of grapes from Agrelo (La Zulema) and Los Árboles in the Valle de Uco (Don Antonio), the Pulenta Estate 2016 Malbec fermented with selected yeasts in a mixture of concrete, oak and stainless steel vats and aged for nine to 12 months in French barriques, 25% of them new (down from 50% in 2014). The grapes had to be harvested earlier in 2016 because it rained so much that there was a risk of rot, and as a result, the wines have more freshness. The oak has also been reduced, and they are increasing the amount of grapes from the Valle de Uco. The wine feels very harmonious and clean, with very integrated oak and has floral and fruit aromas, fine tannins and a serious mouthfeel. There is great balance between seriousness and approachability. 120,000 bottles produced.
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The Pulenta family has been a prominent and respected force in Argentine viticulture for three generations. Sons of well-known winegrower Antonio Pulenta, and descendants of Italian immigrants, Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta founded Pulenta Estate in 2002. The vineyards are estate-owned and farmed for high quality and limited yields. Their extensive holdings in the Agrelo area of Lujan de Cuyo have allowed them to create a broad portfolio that includes sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, chardonnay and malbec rose; merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and cabernet sauvignon in several tiers and even a late harvest red blend.
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.