Winemaker Notes
Blend: 60% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
While many wine lovers would love to visit the classified growths of Bordeaux—this is where the great Cabernet Sauvignon blends got their start—they may no longer have to make the trek. Argentina has recently joined other new world growing regions in producing Bordeaux style blends worthy of comparison and scrutiny. The 2012 Riglos Grand Corte is remarkable. The wine's beautiful and well-defined nuances—red currants, pencil lead, and stones—are equally and in some cases surpassing the classic models of the Médoc. Drinks youthful now. (Tasted: September 7, 2016, San Francisco, CA USA)
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James Suckling
A rich and layered red with a pretty tannin tension and backbone. Full body, impressive density and a chewy finish. Needs two years to soften. A blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.