Winemaker Notes
A deep-red wine of great aromatic complexity, shaped by its various terroirs and ripening times. On the nose, a scent of fresh fruit dominates, reminiscent of blackberries, cherries, plums and strawberries; after a few minutes in the wineglass, hints of tomato leaf appear. On the palate, this wine is remarkably full-bodied, sweet and silky.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A very fresh, transparent malbec with red-berry, mineral and citrus character on the nose and palate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a crisp finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Blackberry aromas come with a dusting of baking spice as well as touches of raisin and heat. A flush palate shows smooth tannins and good core acidity. Blackberry, black plum, earthy spice and salty flavors finish warm, steady and satisfying.
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Wine & Spirits
From a winery built by the Spanish wine company Raventós Codorníu, this is a blend of fruit from Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo, Vista Flores in La Consulta and Eugenio Bustos in Valle de Uco. The varied terroirs read in this wine’s variegated flavors—tart blackberry and juicy plum, supple leather and dark, smoky cigar, with tarry, earthy notes running underneath. It’s tight and young, needing time in the cellar and a decant to mellow.
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.
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.