Winemaker Notes
Dark garnet color. Fresh violet, cherry blossom, red and black fruit such as Burlat cherry and blackcurrant jam, finishing with a soft hint of spices. The palate is smooth, giving black cherry, fresh raspberry and ripe blueberry flavors. Its persistence ends with firm tannins and bright acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A fluid red, with blackberry, blueberry and plum flavors accented by vanilla and clove. Firmly structured, with a sense of grace and harmony despite the chalky tannins.
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James Suckling
Aromas of mulberries, blueberries, plums, cloves, chocolate orange and smoke. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins. Compact, with a fleshy texture and a chalky finish. Drink or hold.
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.
Within the Southwest of France, this is the one region outside of Argentina that is today almost exclusively dependent on Malbec. Locally the variety is called Cot, and makes a dense, earthy and black fruit dominant red wine. Both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean both have a strong influence on the climate of this region.