Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Finca La Celia Pioneer Malbec is an attractive wine with aromas of fresh and ripe fruit, in perfect harmony with the delicacy of the violets and oak aging notes. Very good attack on the palate, with fruity concentration, typical of Malbec, palate medium firm but at the same time elegant. It is an ideal Malbec to drink with the Argetine roast beef with typical “empanadas”.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is quite a ripe expression with a wealth of plums and dark berries on offer, as well as an essence-like thread of plum conserve on the palate. Soft tannins.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Similar to the Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Pioneer Malbec is varietal, elegant and balanced, with fruit notes and nicely integrated oak undertones. There are notes of red fruit and some fresh herbal tones. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and very good balance.
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.