Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Impressive concentration and depth here, this has a sense of freshness and richness that sets it apart. The blueberries, cassis, blackberries and red plums pervade the nose and palate. The finish is suave, gently spicy and long. Drink or hold.
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Wine & Spirits
Cool acidity ripples through this violet-scented malbec, deep, rich and refreshing all at once. Grown at 4,430 feet in altitude, it captures both the abundant sun and the cool of the high Andes in its thirst-quenching juiciness while notes of spice, earth and herbs add detail.
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.