Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Beautiful aromas of dark fruits such as blackberry and blueberry with hints of flowers. Full body and fine tannins. This is pretty polished, having just the right amount of new wood. Complex and exciting. I prefer this LTU to the 2010.
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Wine Enthusiast
Until this four-man group effort produces something that's less than outstanding, LTU will rank as a go-to producer of excellent full-bodied Malbec. This vintage is ripe on the nose, then saturated yet proportionally balanced on the palate. Plum, wild berry, roasted notes, licorice and herbal flavors finish big and ready. This doesn't need much time in bottle; drink now through 2016.
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Wine Spectator
Dark, pure and long, sporting a mix of concentrated black cherry puree, cassis, plum skin, melted licorice and fine spices. The tannins are full and present, but the fruit holds up on the minerally finish. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases made.
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.