Winemaker Notes
Fabre Montmayou's Gran Reserva is the most "modern" bottling produced at the winery in terms of style, sourced from very ripe grapes and aged in new French oak. From 103 year old vines this dense, lusty bottling is sure to turn heads.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
All of the following red wines were produced with native ferments. The 2009 Malbec Gran Reserva was sourced from 103 year old vines and aged for 12 months in new French oak. Smoky oak, game, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry inform the nose of a layered, plush, flavorful wine with superb volume and length for its modest price. It has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years and will provide enjoyment through 2019.
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.