Winemaker Notes
Bright red with purple glints. Aromas of red fruit such as cherries and raspberries. On the palate it is fresh and has medium length. A balanced wine, fresh and fruity, with excellent varietal typicity.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Beautiful blue fruits with hints of spices and roasted coffee. Medium-to-full body, round and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. A fresh and delicious malbec.
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Wine Enthusiast
A direct nose is dry and exact, with tight berry aromas that span from red to black in scope. Dry tannins and healthy acidity are to be expected for a 2016, a vintage with much more rain than normal. Herbal plum, currant and wild berry flavors come with a peppery spice backing prior to a medium-length finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Petite Fleur Malbec feels a little ripe for what I expected from 2016 in the Valle de Uco, but it shows great balance. It was fermented in stainless steel, with 70% of the volume put through malolactic and aging in second and third use oak barrels for 12 months. It has very good freshness, reflecting a cool year.
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.