Winemaker Notes
Deep and bright color that evokes its name. Ethereal rose petal incense and spicy perfume with a bass note of smoky earth and espresso. Juicy and medium-bodied with red currant and black pepper on the palate. Finishes with smooth, lush tannins, ripe acidity and good length.
The ultimate in steak wine. Try with grilled steak, bbq wings or smoked gouda.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Attractive purple flowers and blueberries intermingle with cassis on the nose. The palate has a fresh and lithe, juicy feel that carries very fresh, even and long into the soft, approachable finish. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Malbec mixes grapes from Alto Agrelo and Altamira, fermented with selected yeasts, it's ripe and juicy, with little effect of the oak in the aromatics and flavors, as 40% of the volume was unoaked. It's very floral and a little grapey, showy and aromatic, from a healthy and ripe year that Jimena considers exceptional. It has complexity and great natural acidity, it's juicy and ripe, soft and with round tannins, very drinkable.
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.