Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2014
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James
Suckling -
Wine
Enthusiast
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Malbec Ultra is an elegant wine with refined tannins and good persistence. Therefore, a 30-minute decanting is recommended for a full display of delicious flavors and aromas. Serve at 59°-63°F (15°-17°C) with casserole ornot too elaborate red meat dishes or just enjoy with ripe cheese.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Rich and juicy red with cooked plum, chocolate and blueberry character. Full body, soft and chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. A rich and layered wine with a slightly old school profile with all the fruit but plenty of form and focus on the finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Deep, lush black-fruit aromas are warm and horsey. Tight and well built, this ripe Malbec tastes of toasty blackberry blended with chocolate. A smooth, balanced finish with lift and nothing overly heavy or oaky is fitting.
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In 2000, Aurelio Montes, winemaker and founding member of Viña Montes in Chile, visited Mendoza and fell in love with its people, its terroir, the winegrowing culture and the opportunity to both learn and contribute his experience, anticipating the great potential pulsing in the area and Argentine vineyards in general.
After a series of exploratory trips, Kaiken Wines was born in 2002. Much like the caiquenes, the wild geese that fly over Patagonia between Chile and Argentina, Mr. Montes decided to cross the Andes with a firm purpose in mind: making great wines by combining the exceptional geographical conditions offered by Mendoza with the work and talent of both Chilean and Argentine experts.
Kaiken Winery is located in the district of Vistalba and relies on state-of-the-art technology. All of its wines are made with grapes sourced from estates distributed across the very best winemaking areas in the provinces of Mendoza (such as Vistalba, Agrelo and Vista Flores) and Salta (Cafayate).
Kaiken Wines stand out for their elegance and modern style without compromising varietal typicity. The following lines are currently available: Kaiken Mai, Obertura Aventura,Kaiken Disobedience by Francis Mallmann, Ultra, Indómito, Terroir Series and Estate Series.
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.