Winemaker Notes
Deep ruby red. Duo of varietals of French origin results in harmonious and balanced red: Cabernet Sauvignon delivers its full-bodied character and Malbec lends nuance to the blend with soft and sweet tannins, enhancing a unique combination of fruity flavours and aromas. Food Pairing Red meats in sauces, vegetable casserole, roast chicken, with vegetables, stews.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A soft and fine red with berry and currant character. Chocolate and hazelnut. Medium body and a juicy finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet-Malbec is a 50/50 blend of the two grapes grown in the Valle de Uco. It fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts and matured in new French and American oak barrels for one year. It's a very approachable blend with a commercial profile—a real crowd-pleaser (it has great success in the Argentinean market). It has the violets and herbal touches of the two varieties, with a pinch of spices and smoke. The palate is seamless, spherical, juicy and tasty. Very good indeed and a great value.
Rating: 90+
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Rutini Cabernet Malbec exhibits razor-sharp flavors in the Bordeaux-style and firm, yet layered textures on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers attractive and straightforward, black fruit aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with lightly-seasoned, grilled beef. (Tasted: May 20, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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.
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.