Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Such impressive, rich aromas of berries, cherries and plums with blackberries and violets, too. An enticing fusion of freshness and deep intensity. The palate has a super succulent and contained feel with immaculately smooth, plush tannins. So long, pure and full of life. Like a top St.-Emilion! Cabernet franc with 15% malbec. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Focused and filled with bright minerality to red fruit and spice flavors that are backed by vibrant acidity. Hot stone and accents of flint and savory herbs on the buoyant finish. Cabernet Franc and Malbec
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished 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.