Winemaker Notes
Blend: 85% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The top of the range is the 2013 Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin, which is a blend of mostly Malbec from Vistalba, with a little 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from the old vines around the winery, their oldest vineyard. This is a classical Bordeaux blend with superb balance and elegance, with very good acidity and some spicy oak from 16 months in French oak barrels. The palate is medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins. This is ready now but has great concentration, freshness and balance for a slow and positive development in bottle. 10,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2015.
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James Suckling
Aromas of mint, dark berries and bark follow through to a medium to full body, medium firm tannins and a fresh and savory finish. Always a winner here.
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.