Winemaker Notes
In Argentina, Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier owns three estates some 15 km from the Andes Range, covering 286 ha. A total of 94 are currently planted with vines, some of which are over 30 years old. The La Consulta region is located in the well-known Uco Valley, approximately 1,200 metres (3,950 ft.) above sea level. At this altitude, there is a significant fluctuation between daytime and night-time temperatures of up to 20º-25ºC. This variance particularly favours the production of wines with an excellent colour and suitable for long ageing in oak barrels.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Urban Uco Malbec is aged in a smattering of French and American oak. It has a beautifully defined bouquet of dark cherries, red currant, a touch of fruitcake and orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, fine tannins that lead to a compact but focused finish of dark cherries, blackberry, dark chocolate and a dash of white pepper. It displays impressive length and as for the price? Outstanding. Drink now-2016. I have set foot in countless wineries over the last decade and to be honest, yes, once you have seen one stainless steel vat, they all begin to look the same. However, there are wineries of such dazzling design that they remain indelible on the memory. There is no question that Jose Manuel Ortega’s state-of-the-art, architectural wonder that gazes dreamily at the Andes from the foot of the Uco Valley is a wonder to behold.
Most distinguished and celebrated from Argentina’s Mendoza, Malbec has seen runaway success since the early 2000s. Mendoza’s agreeable, continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters allows the perfect conditions for growing outstanding Malbec. This grape is easy to like for its lusty, deep flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum, red cherry, autumn spice and tilled earth. It’s easy to find delicious, fruit-driven, affordable everyday examples and in prices beyond, quite exceptional ones with dense, supple textures that make them capable of aging.
HNYBFOUBL11C_2011 Item# 121984