Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Pure dark cherry and blue plum fruit. A touch of violets. Fresh and medium-bodied on the palate with lightly chewy tannins and a solid, fruit-expressive finish. From organically grown grapes.
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Vinous
The 2023 Malbec Reserve Organic from Tupungato is a mix of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Half of the volume was aged for six months in oak barrels. It has an intense aroma featuring notes of fresh plum, blackberry and a soft hint of balsamic. It is slightly clingy on the palate, with a lasting fruit whiff. This is not a wine to conquer peaks, but it's a solid choice for the base.
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.