Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a refined and savory malbec with iron, white pepper, spices and dark fruit character. Full body and chewy yet fine tannins. Delicious and refined finish. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The first red I tasted was the 2013 Malbec Estate, a floral and aromatic wine that is all about violets and blueberries and offers great freshness and poise. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky texture and fine tannins. The label says Valle de Uco, but the technical data tells me the grapes come from Gualtallary, the higher part of Tupungato, where they have planted no less than 135 hectares of vineyards. This is a delicious, mineral Malbec that over delivers. It has great freshness and acidity and it tastes like a higher end wine from many wineries. At this price it is a steal!
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.