Winemaker Notes
Los Chacayes is located in the mid Uco Valley, in the county of Tunuyan, at an altitude of 4,000’ elevation. It is the last vineyard district before the Andean foothills.
Aromas of red fruit jam along with floral notes. Fresh, with great concentration on the palate accompanied by a saline character.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Some earth and tar character on the nose with dried meat. Full to medium body, silky tannins and a savory finish. Drink now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 El Manzano Chacayes was produced as a co-fermentation of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from Los Chacayes in the Tunuyán district in the Valle de Uco on shallow, limestone-rich soils. Like the rest of the range, it fermented with some 20% full clusters and natural yeasts and matured in 500-liter French oak barrels (15% new) for some 15 months. It has a beautiful, expressive nose with notes of violet pastille and blood orange. The palate is medium-bodied, with sophisticated tannins and great freshness.
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Tasting Panel
Deep, dark color with a rich berry nose and velvety texture; intense, long, and luscious with good balance
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 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.