Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Solid and brimming with more potential than it's displaying, this Bordeaux-style blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon starts with aromas of graham cracker, lush berry and pastry. It feels perfectly framed by acidity and tannins, with spicy, complex blackberry and cassis flavors. Toasty and a mile long on the finish, drink this from 2014–2020. Cellar Selection.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
In addition to the varietal wines, Norton also produces several blends. The 2009 Privada is made up of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vines ranging in age from 50 to 80 years old, fermented with native yeasts, and raised for 16 months in new French oak. It is a complex offering with an elegant personality, layers of succulent fruit, ample structure, and 2-3 years of aging potential. This outstanding value will be at its best from 2013 to 2024.
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Wine Spectator
This dark red really opens up in the glass, with dense notes of blueberry paste, kirsch and spicy plum. There’s grip, but it’s all fruit, spice and light mocha notes on the finish. Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.