Winemaker Notes
This Malbec showcases a deep purple hue and captivating aromas of ripe plums and blackberries, complemented by notes of cedar and white pepper. On the palate, it is rich, plush, and supple, featuring dark berry fruit, crushed stone, dark chocolate, and toasty nuances. Full-bodied, it has a balanced acidity that leads to a long-lasting, juicy finish, with velvety tannins providing a refined mouthfeel. With its varietal elegance and depth from old vines, this wine embodies a classical style marked by contained power, harmony, and very fine, elegant tannins.
This Malbec pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as ribeye or lamb chops, as well as hearty dishes like mushroom risotto or a rich beef stew. Its structure and complexity also make it a delightful match for aged cheeses, particularly blue cheese or aged cheddar.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Malbec Primeras Vinas Luján de Cuyo is sourced from Finca Bertona in Perdriel and aged for up to 18 months in new French oak barrels. This purple wine reveals aromas of ripe plums and blackberries, accompanied by notes of cedar and white pepper. Rich, plush and supple on the palate, the balanced acidity leads to a long-lasting, juicy finish. This is a Malbec with a faintly ethereal character, which can be attributed to the leaner Perdriel soils.
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James Suckling
Aromas of wild berries, hazelnuts, graphite and cedar with some floral undertones to it. Medium-bodied with a crunchy blue fruit character, bright acidity and smooth, silky tannins. Sleek and polished on the finish.
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.