Winemaker Notes
Bright and intense red color with purple hues. It has a fresh and complex aroma with fresh fruit notes such as blueberries and redcurrants, as well as some _oral, spiced and balsamic notes. On the palate, it is ample and concentrated with silky tannins, noticeable natural acidity and a fresh and lingering finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Blackberry, cassis and plum aromas are muscled up and chocolaty. A flush palate with depth is balanced, while this tastes of blackberry and cassis. A hint of raisin works its way onto the finish, which is ripe and seemingly not fortified by tartaric acidity, hence this loses some steam towards the end. Drink through 2022.
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Wine Spectator
Explosively fruity, with concentrated blackberry, blueberry and dark plum flavors that are flanked by intense Asian spice notes. Chocolate and cream details fill the finish, which features ripe, medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2024.
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.