Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Over the last two decades, Argentine Malbec has been one of the major international wine stories—basic Malbecs under $20 have proven sound and reliable; now the marketplace is ready for the next level where the wines exhibit greater complexity and quality. The 2012 Salentein Numina Gran Corte deftly shows the next level. This wine shows elegant ripe fruit aromatics and is generous and layered on the palate. The finish is quite complete and makes the wine's ideal matching with grilled beef—a well-established pairing—a beautiful match. Drinks nicely now. (Tasted: September 7, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Buoyant acidity powers the dark currant and kirsch flavors, along the smoky paprika accents. Black olive and beefy notes emerge on the powerful finish. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2018. 3,080 cases made.
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.