Winemaker Notes
Deep ruby red in color. On the nose, creamy mocha-chocolate notes jump out first, followed by very ripe blackberries and some mulberries. The full-bodied palate garners a bit of dried fruit, too, but not in a jammy way. Rich and concentrated with dense, ripe tannins to seal it all.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a compact and full-bodied malbec that has rich layers of cassis, dark chocolate, walnuts and orange rind. Broad and velvety tannins support the chocolatey fruit.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Reserva Old Vine Malbec offers a classic expression of La Consulta, sourced from ungrafted massal selections averaging 60 years of age. It opens with spice-driven, meaty aromas that develop purple flower notes in the glass. The palate is ripe and powerful yet retains a taut, focused core before concluding with a layered, fine-grained finish. This wine is drinking beautifully already and should continue to do so throughout the decade.
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Wine Enthusiast
From old vines in the Uco Valley, this silky Malbec reveals delightful aromas of cassis, plum and blackberry jam. Notes of black fruit, cassis and spices invade the mouth. It has a classic Malbec character, with a fresh palate.
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.