Winemaker Notes
Red color with shiny violet tones. Very complex and elegant bouquet. Plenty of wild red fruits like blackberries and cherries, licorice, and delicate hints of flowers. On the palate, the wine shows a remarkable balance with very elegant, delicate and silky tannins.
Pair with red meats, game, rich cheeses and chocolate.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A flavorful malbec with complex notes of spice box, blackcurrants, poached plums, cinnamon stick and olives. Full-bodied, with ripe and polished tannins and a fleshy core of dark fruit.
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Wine Enthusiast
Cherry and vanilla are subtle. Crunchy acidity supports flavors of tart cherry, red plum and hints of herbs. The palate is dense and rich with a subtle smoothness. Light notes of toasted oak linger on the finish.
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Wine & Spirits
Though the violet aromas peek out from behind the oak on day one, it takes a bit of air for this full-bodied malbec to shed its oak influence. Acidity brightens the wine, suggesting that it could spend some time in the cellar, letting its dark plum and coffee flavors more readily show their detail in the finish.
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.