Winemaker Notes
With an attractive and intense violet color, it displays ripe red fruit aromas such as plums and red and black cherries, with a strong floral presence perfectly combined with vanilla and chocolate granted by the oak. In the mouth, it is mild with sweet and velvety tannins. A 2% Petit Verdot and just 1% Cabernet Franc contribute to good balance, elegance and personality.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A structured malbec with blueberry and licorice aromas and flavors that are buttressed with stone undertones. Like the minerality. Full body. Structured tannins. Fresh and vibrant. This needs a year or two to soften.
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.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.