Winemaker Notes
Deep ruby red with bright purple tones. Intense and complex bouquet with red and black fruit notes (blueberry, blackberry, etc.). Generous tannins, with a ton of bitter chocolate and herbal-liquor character. Well balanced, elegant and dry long finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A very assertive play of oak delivers plenty of immediately complex spice, played across bell peppers, violets, blueberries and graphite. So much on offer here. The palate is wrapped in rich, smooth-honed tannin and has a deep, intense feel and a ripe, mouth-filling, red-plum finish. Drink or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Belasco de Baquedano AR Guentota is neatly packed Malbec with a slightly elevated palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of blackberries, savory spices, and tar. Pair it with grilled beef. (Tasted: May 3, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.
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.