Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
While it may seem simple and fruity at first, this cabernet slowly develops layers of spice and herbal notes on a texture that flows smoothly through to the end. This is a terrific example of cabernet with balanced ripeness in Mendoza, where the grape can easily overripen.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Yes, I'd like to make this my choice as a really solid, super premium Cabernet, the 2011 Norton Reserva delivers like a cab should; pair with grilled beef. Deep ruby color; grown-up black fruit aroma, fine richness; medium bodied, firm and well-built on the palate; dry, medium acidity, well balanced; full ripe fruit flavors; medium finish. (Tasted: August 19, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
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.