Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Attractive nose of plums, fresh blueberries, thyme and orange zest. Fruity and crunchy with a medium to full body, easy tannins and fresh finish
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The regular and mostly unoaked 2022 Malbec was produced with a 50/50 mix of grapes from Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, and it has 14% alcohol and a juicy, varietal and clean profile. Only 20% of the volume matured in barrel for eight months. It's fresh, clean and fruit-driven, with berry fruit, herbs and flowers. It has a medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins and is dry, vibrant and nicely textured with fine tannins. Very good value and a very good introduction to Malbec from Mendoza.
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.