Winemaker Notes
The robe is intense with a deep ruby color. The nose is very fruity, with pure aromas of berry fruits, violets and notes of blackcurrant. On the palate, the wine is round, fresh and well-balanced. Displays generous aromas of blackberry and red fruits.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Pretty classy nose with cassis, black cherries and blackberries with plenty of violet extract. Some sweet fruit on the palate with firm, fine-grained tannins. Flavorful and fruity finish. Oak free.
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Wine Enthusiast
A fragrant nose of cassis prepares the palate for flavors of black fruit. Plums and blackberries show ripeness and mix with chocolate notes. This is a full-bodied red, with tight tannins.
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Wine Spectator
Elegant and approachable, offering aromas of violet and balsam that pave the way for a juicy, well-spiced core of huckleberry and black raspberry that lingers nicely.
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.
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.