Winemaker Notes
#30 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2024
Intense red color with violet and blue tones. Intense aromas of blackberries and violets are perceived, accompanied by notes of white flowers and black fruits along with traces of white pepper and clove. In addition, subtle notes of vanilla come from its time in the oak. It has a soft and silky entry, with round and well-integrated tannins. It stands out for its balance and structure, with its refreshing acidity that gives it vivacity. Fruit flavors linger on the palate with notes of blackberries and raspberries, complemented by delicate notes of wood and spice. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a pleasant sensation on the palate, with hints of licorice.
Vegan-Friendly
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Graphite, dark tobacco, dark minerals, spices and layered fruit. Freshness and complexity are the words here. Juicy and fine-grained on the palate with tight, dusty tannins and a focused, lengthy finish. An excellent vintage. Fruit from Uco.
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Wine Spectator
There's an alluring, wild quality to this red, with chaparral and mountain herb notes up front. In contrast, olive, peppercorn and fresh leather accents chime in and join the concentrated core of plum and berries, which lengthens nicely around fresh acidity before finishing smooth.
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Wine Enthusiast
A nose with light notes of lavender and toasted oak introduces a full-bodied palate. Rich flavors of plums combined with a dash of thyme and coffee. It's a friendly and firm Malbec.
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.