Winemaker Notes
The ultimate in steak wine. Try with grilled steak, bbq wings or smoked gouda.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A red with dark berry and spice character. Some earth, too. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins. Flavorful and juicy.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Malbec is from the same vineyards as the 2015 and is produced in more or less the same way. So, what I saw was the effect of the cold and rainy 2016 vintage, which produced fresher wines, with less alcohol. 2016 was an extraordinary vintage with a lot of rain, and it was a year that pushed many for a change of style, a year to learn. López did shorter macerations and used less oak, and it shows in the wine. Quite a change and a step up from the 2015 I tasted next to it. Here, the wine comes through much fresher than the 2015, and it has floral and fruit notes.
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.