Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Malbec Inseparable, from El Monasterio in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, spent a winter in concrete vats. Purple in color. The enticing primary nose presents crushed plum, cherry, violets and faint lavender undertones. The tea-like palate has a juicy, refreshing, taut flow that delivers alluring fruity and floral flavors before the lengthy finish. The 2021 is an oxymoron in a glass: a delicate, nuanced, but raw, high-altitude wine.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Inseparable derives from calcareous sand and gravel soils in the Viña Unica del Monasterio, a lower-elevation section of the property first planted by the monks in 2010. It was entirely destemmed and fermented in proprietary two-ton concrete vats and matured for 12 months. Opening with a pure, poised and floral bouquet, the palate balances elegantly plush power with silky, vibrant clarity. It concludes with a bright, high-toned, finessed finish framed with measured tannins that continue to swell with aeration.
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.