Winemaker Notes
This Malbec has a bright red color and a very intense first nose. Aromas of black fruits, such as blueberries and cherries, are complemented by notes of violets, white pepper, and aromas of the foothills of Mendoza's mountains, typical of wines from calcareous soils. The fruit is the central character when the wine enters the mouth, with an acidity that works like a train that goes through different stations until it reaches the end of the palate, where the wine remains for a long time showing tension and a fine texture.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced from estate vines in Gualtallary and Altamira, the 2022 Malbec Reserve opens with a textbook aromatic expression of modern Malbec, melding black fruits with fresh flowers and herbs with an undercurrent of turned earth and crushed stones. The palate is rich yet refined, combining tensile structure with a generous core of deliciously ripe fruits. It concludes with a staining but restrained finish framed with elegant minerality.
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Vinous
The 2022 Malbec Reserve, also from Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley, is charming with a delicate floral expression of violet and lavender over a background of plum and bright cherry. This is dry, juicy and chalky in texture. It is compact and vibrant, defining a modern palate in line with the house’s higher-tier offerings. The vintage adds subtle concentration without weighing it down.
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James Suckling
Cloves, licorice and dark plums on the nose of this spicy red. It’s creamy and medium- to full-bodied with velvety tannins and a plush, polished finish. Drink or hold.
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.