Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Malbec Remolinos Vineyard is a big, ripe, opulent effort that, like the 2015, is a terrific value. Blueberries, jammy black raspberries, ground pepper, and underbrush all give way to a ripe, full-bodied Malbec that has terrific purity and balance. It’s a sexy fruit bomb to drink over the coming 4-5 years.
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James Suckling
A very nice cabernet for the difficult 2016 vintage with dried cherry, currants and toast aromas. Medium body, but with generous, supple tannins and some richness on the finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The elegant, commercial and approachable 2016 Malbec Remolinos Vineyard has a good combination of ripe fruit and spice, with a polished, soft mouthfeel that makes it approachable. There are some leather aromas that add some complexity. 306,000 bottles produced.
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Wine Spectator
A sanguine red, with notes of hot stone to the raspberry, dried cherry and floral flavors. The savory finish has some minerally accents. Drink now through 2021.
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.