Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe 2014 Quimera is a blend of different red grape varieties from old vines in different places in the province of Mendoza, Perdriel in Luján de Cuyo, Tupungato in Valle de Uco and Medrano in Maipú. It is a blend of 50% Malbec, 24% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine matures in French oak barrels (80% new) for 13 moths. It's a subtle, elegant and perfumed Mendoza blend.
Tight and refined with cool, fine tannins and a fresh flower and citrus undertone. Medium to full body and a bright finish.
Tarry, fiery aromas of berry fruits and oaky spice lead to an iron-fisted palate with rubbery tannins. This blend of Malbec, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot tastes of savory berry fruits and plum. The finish is spicy and delivers lushness and beefy weight. Drink through 2022.
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.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.