Winemaker Notes
This wine belongs to the winery’s estate line with grapes sourced from estate-owned vineyard called La Encerrada in the Uco Valley (Tupungato). This elegant Malbec displays deep color and great aromatic intensity. Ripe red fruit flavours enhanced by complex notes given by the medium toasted barrels. Full and balanced in the mouth with rounded tannins. Malbec is best enjoyed with rich meat dishes, asado, grilled steaks and hearty stews. Also excellent with beef or cheese filled empanadas.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackcurrant and sweet tobacco with some floral undertones. Medium-bodied, balanced and delicious. Refined malbec with some nice tension.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Despite mentioning only Gualtallary on the front label, they use fruit from their vineyards in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Cruz de Piedra and Maipú for the 2020 Malbec Estate. The wine comes through as ripe and fruit driven, with jammy berry fruit and a juicy and soft texture with ripe flavors in the finish. It's clean and has no excess of oak or ripe aromas.
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.