Winemaker Notes
Blend: 88% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A decadent nose that remains on-point and focused with morello cherries, mulberry compote, dark chocolate, charcuterie and hazelnuts. While the nose may be big and the palate certainly bold with fleshy fruit, it carves out a neat structure, complete with firm tannins and a reserved yet long and fruit-forward finish. Drink in 2025.
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.