Winemaker Notes
Deep, bright ruby red color. Aromas of dark berries, spices and notes of vegetables, mainly contributed by the two Cabernets (Sauvignon and Franc). The fruity aromas continue in the mouth, followed by excellent tension due to its natural acidity. The other varieties provide texture and roundness to the blend. It is a wine of an elegant, lingering finish and great aging potential: it can be stored for up to 20 years.
Blend: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Black-cherry, blackcurrant, clove, rosemary and tobacco aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Firm and structured, yet fresh and refined, with chewy layers of dark fruit.
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Wine Spectator
Powerful and well-structured, with good lift to the red berry and dried cherry flavors that are supported by vibrant acidity. Crushed stone and forest floor notes play on the lithe finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
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.
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.