Winemaker Notes
Bright wine, intense, of great complexity and outstanding fineness. It has round body, well structured, harmonious with a long, lingering finish.
Perfect with grilled Filet Mignon, crown roast of lamb, and grilled wild game.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Perfumed with aromas of bark, dried flowers, tar, cassis and dried blueberries. Sweet black cherries, too. Ripe and juicy with a full body. Toasty chocolate notes come through at the end. Excellent length and density.
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Wine Enthusiast
This mature Malbec is a throwback to the days when Mendoza was all about big is better. This smells ripe and raisiny, with a cooked-fruit element that some might dismiss as unfresh. In the mouth, this is typically bulky and saturated almost to the point of syrupy. Flavors of raisin, coffee, black licorice, root beer and jerky are sweet and savory prior to a flat finish. Drink now.
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.