Winemaker Notes
This wine is a testament to its Argentine-Andean heritage and the French origin of the Bousquet family. It is primarily Malbec, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and Merlot for roundness. It pairs well with leaner red meats, turkey, and especially blue cheese.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Some plushness from the powdery spices, dark chocolate, blackberries and dark cherries, Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with fresh, firm tannins that give it crunchiness. Long and really fresh. From organically grown grapes. 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.
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.