Winemaker Notes
Explosively fruity, fresh, and juicy. Flavors of blackberries and spice. Beautiful expression of San Pablo IG.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackberry, spice and bark aromas turn to violets. Medium-to full-bodied with fine yet firm tannins and a flavorful finish that shows focus and brightness. Direct and polished. Drink or hold.
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Wine & Spirits
Jean-Claude Berrouet, former cellarmaster of Château Pétrus in Bordeaux, joined the Tapiz team in 2013, and worked with Fabian Valenzuela on this wine. It’s a selection from the estate’s San Pablo vineyard, which sits at 4,430 feet in elevation. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for a year in an array of barrels (new and old, French and American oak), the wine feels cool and sleek. Herbal notes trace the path of the acidity, brightening the red fruit; earthy notes underline the espresso-roast richness of the tannins, firm and velvety. The only quibble is the alcohol, a peppery note on the back of the throat, but that could be turned to an advantage with a rich beef stew.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The floral and perfumed 2018 Alta Collection Malbec is juicy and fresh, with very integrated oak, a soft mouthfeel with round Malbec tannins and a perfumed finish.
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.