Winemaker Notes
This Malbec shows the intense violet aromatics and bright freshness and acidity which has come to define Decero Malbec. Elegant tannin complexity reflects beautifully integrated oak tannins following 14 months in French oak.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Malbec is a smoking value. Made from 100% Malbec aged in 30% new French oak, it gives up lots of blue fruits, pepper, and leafy herbs in a medium to full-bodied, forward, elegant package. Impeccably balanced, clean, and pure, it’s a terrific Malbec to drink over the coming 4-5 years.
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Wine Spectator
An elegant style, with a core of vibrant cherry, plum and currant flavors that are supported by fresh acidity. This is supple midpalate, with a finish that lingers with dried ginger and white pepper details. Drink now through 2022.
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James Suckling
Quite a lot of dried fruit on the nose with spice and mahogany aromas. Medium body, juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. Fruity and fun.
The estate has followed an 'amano,' or 'by hand,' approach that is sensitive to natural differences, sustainable, and human. Their philosophy is to tread lightly in an environment they have come to know intimately, almost inch-by-inch, and allow the unique natural attributes of the Remolinos vineyard and of Agrelo shine to through in the wines. The vineyard at the estate is named "Remolinos" after the tiny whirlwinds in the area that thread their way along the vines, keeping the grapes dry and in perfect condition. The 110 hectare estate was planted in 2000 to Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot (unusual for Argentine producers) and Tannat. All the Decero wines come from this single vineyard, all from hand-picked fruit.
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.