Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
This is one of the greatest values of the vintage. Pulled from 30-year-old vines in Agrelo, it's tight and firm, with a brightness that's rare in this warm year. Notes of violets and black pepper add charm to the dark cherry flavors, while nuances of oak-derived spice lend complexity. Best Buy
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
There is a lot to like about this Malbec, the 2012 Nieto Senetiner shows excellent style and form and plenty of fruit, a wonderful wine with grilled beef. Very deep ruby color; attractive sour currant aromas, with a light mineral note, excellent persistence; medium bodied, firm on the palate; fine tart cherry flavors, medium concentration; medium finish, fine, extended aftertaste. Calls for a grilled pork chop, with crushed whole peppercorns. (Tasted: June 18, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
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Tasting Panel
Dusky, juicy and alive with blackberry, blueberry and tangy spice; long and neatly structured, generous, supple and long 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.