Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A fresh, juicy malbec full of dark cherries, peppercorns, minerals and spices. Lovely fruit with medium body and lots of acidity ripping through the palate. Succulent and nervy in the finish, showing fine-grained tannins. Long and linear. Excellent quality from this vintage.
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Vinous
The 2021 Malbec Appellation, sourced from the Pedernal Valley in San Juan, was aged for 12 months in French and American oak. Purple hues accompany aromas of plum, pomegranate, vanilla, cedar and herbs. The wine is plush and full-bodied with oak providing structure. Though slightly astringent today, it will improve with time.
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.
This very hot and arid region produces fine red wines from Bonarda, Syrah and Malbec and solid, fruity white wines from Pinot grigio, Viognier and Chardonnay.