Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Salentein Single Vineyard La Pampa Malbec is a 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 floral, spiced, 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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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The wine matured in 225-liter French oak barrels for 16 months. There is another single-vineyard Malbec from another single vineyard in San Pablo, in the alluvial cone of the Villegas River at slightly higher altitude. This is a little lower in altitude and feels a tad riper, not as ripe as the one from Gualtallary but riper than Los Javalíes, which is the name of the other higher-altitude vineyard in San Pablo. A classical ripe and lush Malbec with chalky tannins.
Rating: 91(+)
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.