Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a very concentrated red with some dried fruit character and hints of toasted oak. A slightly fuller style but it remains fresh despite having an alcohol of 15%. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Alfa Crux Malbec fermented in oak vats and went through malo in barrel where it matured for 17 months. It seems to have taken the oak much better than the blend (but the blend is from 2009) and it shows a good balance between spicy/oak-related aromas and the juicy berries and violets that are classic Malbec descriptors. The palate is medium to full-bodied, and although the wine is powerful it feels less so because of the good freshness and balance. A showy Malbec from Uco that could be enjoyed now or allowed to mellow in bottle.
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Wine Spectator
This has a fruity aroma and brambly flavors that include roasted plum, red cherry and mulberry, with sanguine notes in the midpalate and accents of dried beef. The spry finish has some hazelnut accents. Drink now through 2019.
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.