Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is very firm, focused and bright. Medium body. Pretty depth of fruit with plenty of brightness and definition. Silky texture. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
They used their vineyards in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Cruz de Piedra and Maipú for the 2018 Malbec Estate that is harmonious and fresh in this very good vintage, like I have never seen before. It has very clean and precise flavors and aromas and it's nicely textured and reveals fine tannins. This is great value. 40,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2020.
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.