Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of blackberries, burnt orange peel and hints of chocolate. Full body, chewy tannins and a savory finish. There is a bigger, warmer profile to this.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Octava Bassa is a Malbec from the Valle de Uco aged in barrel for one year. The oak has little effect and the fruit is in the foreground, floral and spicy. The palate is juicy, ripe without excess and with very good balance. Powerful, elegant and tasty.
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.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.