Winemaker Notes
Medium ruby with aromas of ripe plums, cherries and blackberries are complemented by a hint of tobacco. A balanced and complex wine with flavors of redcurrants, black cherries and cinnamon with a long lasting finish marked by notes of leather, tobacco and vanilla.
Well-matched with barbecued meats, robust pasta entrees, baked ham, pork chops and sharp cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
This may be a fraction of the price of Salentein’s Primum Malbec (also recommended here), but it’s just as good, in a completely different style. There’s no spicy oak or tobacco-scented tannins boosting the fruit here; instead, it’s just pure, fresh, floral malbec, purple and bright. Herbal notes add a cool spice, giving it a vibrant Andean feel.
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James Suckling
This offers some ripe dark-berry and plum aromas with an edge of black tea and crushed purple flowers. The palate has a super smooth, juicy and flavorful core of smooth tannins, carrying dark-cherry and plum flavors.
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.