Winemaker Notes
The fruit is hand-picked and fermented with native yeast before it is aged two years in a mix of French oak of different ages, and then another year in bottle. The Malbec shows notes of blackberries, warm blueberry pancakes, and maraschino cherries while being intensely layered with baking spices of clove, cinnamon, sage, licorice, and cedar. Light hints of orange peel, eucalyptus, white powdered sugar and red velvet cake dance around the core. The wine finishes with integrated earth components of soil, dry crushed leaves, and an animal quality that screams being alive.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
An authentic, elegant and well-aged wine from a small block of old-vine Malbec, which is still ploughed by horse. Seductive layers of dried fruit and spice with a fresh, long finish. Old World in the New World.
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Wine Enthusiast
Ripe, earthy black fruit aromas are balsamic and suggest boozy spice cake. Following the nose, this Malbec from a very good vintage is jammy in feel, with thorough ripeness. Prune, raisin, molasses and cassis flavors wrap up quickly on a slightly hot finish. Drink now.
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.